I'm sorry I've been so busy that it has taken me a few days to get to my notes regarding the special town meeting. I try to be quick about it, but sometimes it takes a little bit...
And that's all I wrote at the time. It was a busy time at work.
Monday, June 15, 2020
2019 Town Meeting - Night Four
Welcome to night 5. Madrigals came tonight. No one selling snacks.
(OK, I don't think I have these in order. Like the other ones, these are my rough notes. I didn't go back to edit them, and now it is a year too late.)
John Leone - 22 articles left, should be able to finish tonight if we try hard
Diane Mahon - meeting continues to Wednesday, but hands in prayer that we finish tonight
ARFRR - Arlington residents for reasonable redevelopment
Porchfest
Al Tosti - Patrolman's bargaining accepted
No Reports
(OK, I don't think I have these in order. Like the other ones, these are my rough notes. I didn't go back to edit them, and now it is a year too late.)
John Leone - 22 articles left, should be able to finish tonight if we try hard
Diane Mahon - meeting continues to Wednesday, but hands in prayer that we finish tonight
ARFRR - Arlington residents for reasonable redevelopment
Porchfest
Al Tosti - Patrolman's bargaining accepted
No Reports
Article 37 (continued)
Christopher Moore - recruiting process (TM) process for selection in and outside of CS, support, assessment center
Bill Hayner - opposed, exam sets criteria, 3-4 grade teacher shouldn't be eligible
John Deist - move question, term deb yes (voice uncertain) (109-90)
Charlie Fosket - opposed, not broken enough to take whole departments out, only the police chief
Joe Tully - opposed, protection against political agendas
Betty Stone - support, assures open and competitive process, safety for everyone, best fit, largest pool
John Leonard - opposed, home rule required? (DH) no, home rule was due to position not being solely a chief
Gordon Jameson - supports, Maher & Moore persuasive, search should be broader than just department
Pete Guest - focus seems to be on ability to fire, rather than to hire, (DM) chief needs autonomy
Steve DeCoursey - opposed, expectation set that position will remain in CS, standard for termination, just cause removal
Bob Jefferson - Fire Chief, opposed, need strong independent voice, make strong equitable decisions, under a different TM, this could be a very different discussion
Jordan Weinstein - personal service agreement? (TM) yes, just cause firing, police chief is different from fire chief, concern about ICE and police involved shooting, Pedrini issue (poly-phobic), with that context, town needs to be able to assert control, support
Annie LaCourt - former APD hired as chief in other communities (TM) non-CS hires, who decides if OK to hire other than top candidate (TM) state CS commission, could we fire if policy against will of town (TM) appeal-able to CS board, (DH) other legal protections exist if outside CS, should be allowed to fully negotiate
Mark McCabe - opposed (not terminate - soo-prise, soo-prise, soo-prise) people enter to serve, take tests to improve themselves, to take chief out of contention, cuts morale, hire someone who doesn't know heart and pulse of time
Bob Redocia - oppose, similar to McCabe and Foskett, should be someone who comes up through the ranks, police and fire most important public safety organizations
Timor Yantar - inserted at request of town manager, why? (TM) flexibility, accountability, CS not used in 30+ years, committed to hire from within for this cycle, support
Steve Revelak - what positions are hired under CS (TM) complete FD and APD ranks
Samantha /Deutcher - opposed, studies change in organization, too much disruption is detrimental
Eric Helmuth - move question, term deb yes (voice)
Vote no (126-81)
Christopher Moore - recruiting process (TM) process for selection in and outside of CS, support, assessment center
Bill Hayner - opposed, exam sets criteria, 3-4 grade teacher shouldn't be eligible
John Deist - move question, term deb yes (voice uncertain) (109-90)
Charlie Fosket - opposed, not broken enough to take whole departments out, only the police chief
Joe Tully - opposed, protection against political agendas
Betty Stone - support, assures open and competitive process, safety for everyone, best fit, largest pool
John Leonard - opposed, home rule required? (DH) no, home rule was due to position not being solely a chief
Gordon Jameson - supports, Maher & Moore persuasive, search should be broader than just department
Pete Guest - focus seems to be on ability to fire, rather than to hire, (DM) chief needs autonomy
Steve DeCoursey - opposed, expectation set that position will remain in CS, standard for termination, just cause removal
Bob Jefferson - Fire Chief, opposed, need strong independent voice, make strong equitable decisions, under a different TM, this could be a very different discussion
Jordan Weinstein - personal service agreement? (TM) yes, just cause firing, police chief is different from fire chief, concern about ICE and police involved shooting, Pedrini issue (poly-phobic), with that context, town needs to be able to assert control, support
Annie LaCourt - former APD hired as chief in other communities (TM) non-CS hires, who decides if OK to hire other than top candidate (TM) state CS commission, could we fire if policy against will of town (TM) appeal-able to CS board, (DH) other legal protections exist if outside CS, should be allowed to fully negotiate
Mark McCabe - opposed (not terminate - soo-prise, soo-prise, soo-prise) people enter to serve, take tests to improve themselves, to take chief out of contention, cuts morale, hire someone who doesn't know heart and pulse of time
Bob Redocia - oppose, similar to McCabe and Foskett, should be someone who comes up through the ranks, police and fire most important public safety organizations
Timor Yantar - inserted at request of town manager, why? (TM) flexibility, accountability, CS not used in 30+ years, committed to hire from within for this cycle, support
Steve Revelak - what positions are hired under CS (TM) complete FD and APD ranks
Samantha /Deutcher - opposed, studies change in organization, too much disruption is detrimental
Eric Helmuth - move question, term deb yes (voice)
Vote no (126-81)
Article 34 Reconsideration
Schlictman - meeting unaware amendment would prohibit certain existing practices
no (85-93)
Schlictman - meeting unaware amendment would prohibit certain existing practices
no (85-93)
Article 38
TM - increase limit tax deferment , set to highest threshold
Sophie M - only 12 benefit today, how many could be added, not certain how many, but 12 is really low, deferment paid upon sale of property with interest (3.5%)
Christopher Moore - how does mortgage enter into equation, bank would need to sign off, does this limit participation, hard to determine, encourage town to figure out if there are issues
Michael Quinn - program for seniors May 23, in favor, better communication could lead to more participation
John Worden - great program, allows people to stay in home
Vote: yes (207-2)
TM - increase limit tax deferment , set to highest threshold
Sophie M - only 12 benefit today, how many could be added, not certain how many, but 12 is really low, deferment paid upon sale of property with interest (3.5%)
Christopher Moore - how does mortgage enter into equation, bank would need to sign off, does this limit participation, hard to determine, encourage town to figure out if there are issues
Michael Quinn - program for seniors May 23, in favor, better communication could lead to more participation
John Worden - great program, allows people to stay in home
Vote: yes (207-2)
Article 39: Library Art Print Collection - Given in 1890's
Director - sell before value reaches $0, will of Winfield Robbins care and increase of prints 1925, first concerns, 1946, not worth cataloguing, many prints at National Portrait Gallery, laid off curator, BPL and Harvard both encourage dropping prints, vexed town for too long
Gordon Jameson - any Rembrandt in attic? No, Smithsonian gets to keep
Vote: yes (186-7)
Director - sell before value reaches $0, will of Winfield Robbins care and increase of prints 1925, first concerns, 1946, not worth cataloguing, many prints at National Portrait Gallery, laid off curator, BPL and Harvard both encourage dropping prints, vexed town for too long
Gordon Jameson - any Rembrandt in attic? No, Smithsonian gets to keep
Vote: yes (186-7)
Break
Article 40: Library Parking
Fisher - former 2hr/1/2hr, now 4hr, no free 15 minutes, resourced can park at library, others cannot, fees create barriers and reinforcement distinctions between users, Libraries now fine-free, visit shouldn't cost $1/hr, resolution
Michelle Dirocher - did library notice any changes in feedback (L) more turnover, complaints about cost, relied on parking committee, wouldn't want to see lower cost at risk of abuse
James O'Conor - appreciates desire to increase access, library wants to increase users, how do we include everyone? encourage town to find a way to make this happen
Rodderick Holland - meters at free public library bothers people, supports
Mustafa V - supports, could validation work?
Paul Schlictman - term deb yes (voice)
Substitute Motion: yes (121-61)
Vote: yes (125-52)
Fisher - former 2hr/1/2hr, now 4hr, no free 15 minutes, resourced can park at library, others cannot, fees create barriers and reinforcement distinctions between users, Libraries now fine-free, visit shouldn't cost $1/hr, resolution
Michelle Dirocher - did library notice any changes in feedback (L) more turnover, complaints about cost, relied on parking committee, wouldn't want to see lower cost at risk of abuse
James O'Conor - appreciates desire to increase access, library wants to increase users, how do we include everyone? encourage town to find a way to make this happen
Rodderick Holland - meters at free public library bothers people, supports
Mustafa V - supports, could validation work?
Paul Schlictman - term deb yes (voice)
Substitute Motion: yes (121-61)
Vote: yes (125-52)
Article 41: no action (voice)
Article 43: Senior Tax Exemption
TM - home rule based on Sudbury / Concord model, redistribute burden from some seniors onto all others, would need to go before voters, depending on number of participants could increase bills by ~$65
Steve Revelak - income limit is ~70% of AMI individual, ~93% AMI couples (TM) set by State, how do we set mean property value (TM) assessed by similar property type
John Deist - great sympathy, would like to help, why such emphasis on elderly instead of younger people (TM) cannot completely rework Prop 2.5, would be surprised if State would allow individual towns to jiggle formula; that's what was figures
Sophie M - same people as deferral? (TM) 968 qualify, unknown number would benefit; could use both exemption and deferral (TM) yes; impact would vary based on property value (TM) yes
Charles H (1) - does wealth as opposed to income come into account (DH) application should account for that at State level; (TM) exemption also in bylaw language
Michael Quinn - many have zero assets apart from home, circuit breaker doesn't have asset requirements
John Worden - cannot pay real estate taxes from Social Security, suprised at number of people with home and nothing else, supports
Gorden Jameson - circuit breaker is more complicated than just having low income, should mimic state circuit breaker formula
James O'Conor - state pension does count against circuit breaker credit, house rich - cash poor
Anne Fitzgerald - white-haired senior, O'Conor's comments informative, windfall elimination tax can reduce social security, need to help seniors, keeping seniors in their home means one fewer student household
Paul Schlictman - term deb yes (voice)
Vote: yes (188-5)
TM - home rule based on Sudbury / Concord model, redistribute burden from some seniors onto all others, would need to go before voters, depending on number of participants could increase bills by ~$65
Steve Revelak - income limit is ~70% of AMI individual, ~93% AMI couples (TM) set by State, how do we set mean property value (TM) assessed by similar property type
John Deist - great sympathy, would like to help, why such emphasis on elderly instead of younger people (TM) cannot completely rework Prop 2.5, would be surprised if State would allow individual towns to jiggle formula; that's what was figures
Sophie M - same people as deferral? (TM) 968 qualify, unknown number would benefit; could use both exemption and deferral (TM) yes; impact would vary based on property value (TM) yes
Charles H (1) - does wealth as opposed to income come into account (DH) application should account for that at State level; (TM) exemption also in bylaw language
Michael Quinn - many have zero assets apart from home, circuit breaker doesn't have asset requirements
John Worden - cannot pay real estate taxes from Social Security, suprised at number of people with home and nothing else, supports
Gorden Jameson - circuit breaker is more complicated than just having low income, should mimic state circuit breaker formula
James O'Conor - state pension does count against circuit breaker credit, house rich - cash poor
Anne Fitzgerald - white-haired senior, O'Conor's comments informative, windfall elimination tax can reduce social security, need to help seniors, keeping seniors in their home means one fewer student household
Paul Schlictman - term deb yes (voice)
Vote: yes (188-5)
Article 44: no action yes (voice)
Article 45: extend voting rights to legal permanent residents
Paul Schlictman - (Ben Rudick) home rule petition to allow town voting by all legal residents without regard to citizenship, simple fairness, wouldn't Arlington benefit from hearing from all residents, non-resident voting used to be more accepted, no longer since 1928, state needs to act
Rieco Tenaka - very important, Japanese immigrant, student to citizen in 28 years, paid taxes right away, many foreign countries do not allow dual-citizenship
Jim Detulia (12) - supports motivation, has reservations, talking to recently naturalized citizen, Form N-400, section 12, question 2 "Have you ever registered to Vote?", question 3 "Have you ever voted", same section as other disqualifying questions, make sure we are not harming prospective citizens, leave up to newly established committee
Michael Ruderman - proponent has a persuasive and dynamic presentation, engaged taxpayers deserve to vote, how do we decide who is worthy, pathway to citizenship should be followed, good and serious reasons to vote no
Timor Yontar - is this legal? (DH) home rule petition can be enacted to change state voting requirements,; symbolic? (DH) not wholly, but not likely to pass, state needs to act
Muldoon? - state has disenfranchised felons, working to get right to vote back, this is a great progressive action by TMM to encourage the state to move, welcomes opinions of all residents, franchising good, (BR) will accomplish nothing until state acts; citizenship application question (BR) if state approves, federal government would need to consider how question is evaluated
Ian B(?) - how would the practical side of voting work, any separate procedures (D Mahon) would be entirely same (TM) former election commissioner, new code in voting registry for local only voters
Sophie M - immigrant, became a citizen to vote, if you can vote without being a citizen, why bother, what is citizenship to each of us.
John Worden - may have multiple homes without voting in all locations, all kids married foreigners, if you want to be engaged, you can become a citizen, may be more complicated, but it can be done
Moore - term deb yes (voice)
Vote yes (131-51)
Paul Schlictman - (Ben Rudick) home rule petition to allow town voting by all legal residents without regard to citizenship, simple fairness, wouldn't Arlington benefit from hearing from all residents, non-resident voting used to be more accepted, no longer since 1928, state needs to act
Rieco Tenaka - very important, Japanese immigrant, student to citizen in 28 years, paid taxes right away, many foreign countries do not allow dual-citizenship
Jim Detulia (12) - supports motivation, has reservations, talking to recently naturalized citizen, Form N-400, section 12, question 2 "Have you ever registered to Vote?", question 3 "Have you ever voted", same section as other disqualifying questions, make sure we are not harming prospective citizens, leave up to newly established committee
Michael Ruderman - proponent has a persuasive and dynamic presentation, engaged taxpayers deserve to vote, how do we decide who is worthy, pathway to citizenship should be followed, good and serious reasons to vote no
Timor Yontar - is this legal? (DH) home rule petition can be enacted to change state voting requirements,; symbolic? (DH) not wholly, but not likely to pass, state needs to act
Muldoon? - state has disenfranchised felons, working to get right to vote back, this is a great progressive action by TMM to encourage the state to move, welcomes opinions of all residents, franchising good, (BR) will accomplish nothing until state acts; citizenship application question (BR) if state approves, federal government would need to consider how question is evaluated
Ian B(?) - how would the practical side of voting work, any separate procedures (D Mahon) would be entirely same (TM) former election commissioner, new code in voting registry for local only voters
Sophie M - immigrant, became a citizen to vote, if you can vote without being a citizen, why bother, what is citizenship to each of us.
John Worden - may have multiple homes without voting in all locations, all kids married foreigners, if you want to be engaged, you can become a citizen, may be more complicated, but it can be done
Moore - term deb yes (voice)
Vote yes (131-51)
2019 Town Meeting - Night Three
Alas, sometimes the best plans go awry. I kept very careful notes on Wednesday night, but I didn't synchronize the file, and when I went to flesh it out on Thursday, it was gone. ARGH. I will have to go from memory. (Fat chance - a year later, and no idea what happened.)
We started with the traditional singing of the anthem and acceptance of reports. Our deliberations started with Article 22. This article corrected citation errors in the zoning bylaw. During recodification, we missed a few references, and this made the corrections. It was readily adopted. Article 23 had been voted no action during the consent agenda. Article 24 was a citizen initiative on behalf of the Residential Study Group to correct a problem with our definition for a half story. Our residential zoning is based on a 2 1/2 story house. This should be a two story house with a partly built out attic floor. Under the former definition, it was possible to build out the attic into a complete third floor without violating the letter of the law. This article would correct that problem.
I proposed an amendment to resolve two other issues with the definition. The former definition listed specific roof shapes, which precluded other roof shapes. I proposed to extend the definition to all sloped roof shapes. I also proposed establishing a minimum roof slope to qualify for a half-story. The chosen slope is the flattest roof that can support an asphalt shingle with full underlayment, 2:12. After a few questions, the amendment was adopted and the amended article was approved.
Article 25 was voted no action under the consent agenda.
Article 26 was the second part of the vote on the revised sign bylaw. Our former bylaw was in both the zoning and general bylaws. The earlier vote under Article 17 replaced the portion in the zoning bylaw, and this article would make the corresponding change in the general bylaw. After some discussion about the effects of the change and what regulations remain, the article was adopted.
Article 27 was about the amount of time speakers have at Town Meeting. In the past, speakers had up to 15 minutes to make their case. That was first reduced to 10 minutes, then to the 7 minutes we have today. This proposal was to reduce that to 5 minutes. The Town Meeting Procedures Committee recommended a no action vote, but the Select Board voted to approve the measure believing that it would improve Town Meeting's efficiency and encourage participation. The There was a substitute motion to
2019 Town Meeting - Night Five
(I took a break after the end of Town Meeting before writing my comments. I am writing from my notes taken during Town Meeting. At least I was before I let a year go by. Now these are only partially complete, but they will need to stay that way.)
Welcome to Night 5. No new members tonight, but there are still buttons awaiting pickup at check-in. Jane Howard played the anthem. Several announcements about community cleanups, and Al Tosti, the chair of the Finance Committee is to be the Rotary Club Citizen of the Year!
Moving on to reports: the Dallin Museum's report is in the town's report; the Recycling Committee discussed outreach and education and reducing waste at Town Day and the Beer Garden; and the School Committee presented their report. We then tabled Article 3, although I don't recall taking it from the table.
Per an earlier decision, tonight is school budget night. We opened with Article 63, th Minuteman budget with their superintendent, Dr. Bouquellan. He opened with an update on the new building. The project is a year ahead of schedule and still on budget. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for October 4, but it will be open for the fall semester. Additional fields will be developed for the former building site, and those will open fall 2020. He also showed an updated fly-through video pausing in completed portions of the building to show how the plans came to fruition. Very nice.
Diane Dupont had a question about custodial staffing. The budget calls for outside staff. Dr. Bouquellan confirmed, noting retirements lead to search for cleaners experienced with a building of this type. They have bid out for this service. Roderick Holland spoke in support, noting his son attended and he was very engaged. He is now a practicing engineer. The final vote was unanimous, 209-0.
Articles 57-58 off table
Deist: Question on process, don't vote on vote both with and without override, sends bad message, we can come back
Tosti: Coming back would be worse
Tosti: Coming back would be worse
Karden: School report, five year budget plan, 600+ additional students, accompanying faculty and staff, additional funding, still below state average
Dr. Bodie: thanks for support, could begin next summer, state house recognition of green initiatives, improve cultural competency, FY20 level budget
Dr. Bodie: thanks for support, could begin next summer, state house recognition of green initiatives, improve cultural competency, FY20 level budget
Which to discuss: 2 3 6 7 9 11 13 17 20 21 22 24 26
Select Board: Mayor's Coalition membership - remove funding, not a city (Worden)
Paluso: How does override work? Tosti: some funds directly to schools, seniors, and DPW, remainder goes into stabilization
Paluso: How does override work? Tosti: some funds directly to schools, seniors, and DPW, remainder goes into stabilization
Town Manager: No one
Comptroller: Jameson - process and comptroller report
Treasurer / Collector: Trembley - no warning card for late excise tax, cards did go out, Ed "I'm totally wrong"
Assessors: Yantar - Concern about increases (Kathleen Maloon) Control rising tax burden on residents, maintain an affordable community, 40 year resident, 6% last year, 16% this year, others higher, dramatic land value increase, applied for abatement, told would need a building inspection, why if only a land value increase, abatement denied, increases are higher than people can absorb, no double-digit tax increases (Stanley O'Connor) denial of abatement, law requires reassessment of building and home, denial of entry is legal basis for denial, use sales to set rates, certified by Dept. of Revenue
Fisher - Does a rise in one neighborhood lead to a decrease in another (Tierney) No, tax rate reduction due to higher overall value of property in town, no link, Fisher: taxation without representation
Tosti: 2.5% cap is across entire town, not individual properties, overrides and debt exclusions, four exclusions all hit last year, alongside reevaluation made a big impact, our expenses are just increasing
Revelak: big division problem with multiple constraints to set tax rates, land is just more expensive
Dave Reedy: are LLCs handled differently than residential owners, for teardown's - final sale price is used
Holland: rising values nice, people sell houses, neighborhoods don't sell houses, if you are not in the market, you don't see the value, can we assess long time residents differently than speculators (must use Mass standards for assessment, assessor only values the property, doesn't set the rate (Heim) looking for other legal methods for abatement, needs state special law
Friedman: where does land valuation come from - (O'Connor) sales
LaCourt: tax rate is much lower now than in 1982, but values are so much higher now
Schlictman: term debate (voice)
Fisher - Does a rise in one neighborhood lead to a decrease in another (Tierney) No, tax rate reduction due to higher overall value of property in town, no link, Fisher: taxation without representation
Tosti: 2.5% cap is across entire town, not individual properties, overrides and debt exclusions, four exclusions all hit last year, alongside reevaluation made a big impact, our expenses are just increasing
Revelak: big division problem with multiple constraints to set tax rates, land is just more expensive
Dave Reedy: are LLCs handled differently than residential owners, for teardown's - final sale price is used
Holland: rising values nice, people sell houses, neighborhoods don't sell houses, if you are not in the market, you don't see the value, can we assess long time residents differently than speculators (must use Mass standards for assessment, assessor only values the property, doesn't set the rate (Heim) looking for other legal methods for abatement, needs state special law
Friedman: where does land valuation come from - (O'Connor) sales
LaCourt: tax rate is much lower now than in 1982, but values are so much higher now
Schlictman: term debate (voice)
Town Clerk
Revelak: any thought of digitizing the town's records (yes, but no action), good to preserve history and make it accessible
Muldoon: is registrar of voters still in budget, separate budget, no remnants under clerk
Revelak: any thought of digitizing the town's records (yes, but no action), good to preserve history and make it accessible
Muldoon: is registrar of voters still in budget, separate budget, no remnants under clerk
Parking: Fuller - no longer a parking clerk, who performs this function (TM) still figuring that out, still in Treasurer's office, under Treasurer line item
Yantar: parking fines (TM)$426K, $390K previous (Y) chalking not allowed as trespass (TC) ruling does not apply to our circuit
Yantar: parking fines (TM)$426K, $390K previous (Y) chalking not allowed as trespass (TC) ruling does not apply to our circuit
Public Works: Tremblay - how much salt? (Rademacher) 6,600T ($450K) (Tremblay) why are employee salaries rising higher than 2.5% (Sandy) FinCom report does not realistically portray increases, shows two-years at a time, so actual is about half
LaCourt: how does DPW determine where to spend money and how much is needed (MR) TM tells us our budget, look at previous years for direction, seeks to keep budget as tight as possible (Lacourt) town employees' costs go up when yours do, raises are important
Schedule for street sweeping
LaCourt: how does DPW determine where to spend money and how much is needed (MR) TM tells us our budget, look at previous years for direction, seeks to keep budget as tight as possible (Lacourt) town employees' costs go up when yours do, raises are important
Schedule for street sweeping
Fire Services: Fiore - concern about propane delivery trucks, house across from Hardy has propane tank (FC) cannot answer question, state regulation, town employees are trained for dealing with propane fires
Inspections
Education: Jameson - read the annual financial plan, do a good job containing increases
Deist - Arlington schools among the top schools academically, spending per student in the lowest third
Deist - Arlington schools among the top schools academically, spending per student in the lowest third
Health: Stone - who is diversity position (CB) ADA coordinator is retiring, will take on that and coordination with town diversity committees (BS) Schools? (CB) 3/4 position, CB is on school diversity group, really exciting group, strategic planning
Mendel - on parent-led diversity group, coordination with health (CB) DIGS is a part of the discussion at the school level, town liaison would overlap
Mendel - on parent-led diversity group, coordination with health (CB) DIGS is a part of the discussion at the school level, town liaison would overlap
Insurance: pass
Deist motion: don't vote on budget second votes depending on passing of override (TC) contingent budget is OK, voting this down means meet between June 11 and June 30 to change
Vote: no (29-175)
Vote: no (29-175)
Vote: yes (207-2), contingent budgets: yes (198-11)
Art. 58 Capital Budget - Foskett: 3 projects, still well within state borrowing limits
Mustafa: regarding $750K, reallocate from Lake Street Signal funds to flood mitigation west of Lake Street, never seen him stop at that intersection anyway
Patricia: historic preservation good, culvert too small, leads to flooding, epitome of arrogance...
Patricia: historic preservation good, culvert too small, leads to flooding, epitome of arrogance...
2019 Town Meeting - Night Seven
Welcome to night seven. Hopefully, the last night.
(These are my rough notes, as I never got around to fixing them after Town Meeting. It is a year later, and I couldn't complete them if I tried.)
Articles 47: PEG Fund
TM Intro
John Maher: support, feds are coming
Vote: yes (183-1)
TM Intro
John Maher: support, feds are coming
Vote: yes (183-1)
Article 48:
No discussion
Vote: yes (178-1)
No discussion
Vote: yes (178-1)
Article 51: CDBG
DM Intro
Vote: yes (175-0)
DM Intro
Vote: yes (175-0)
Article 52: Revolving Funds
Klein - overspending on ambulance fund
Fuller
Menman - zero balance funds, private/public road funds
Vote: yes (189-0)
Klein - overspending on ambulance fund
Fuller
Menman - zero balance funds, private/public road funds
Vote: yes (189-0)
Article 53: Parking Fund
AC
Leonard - surplus will carry forward, need TMM approval
Worden - replacing sidewalks, why, (TM) prioritize accessibility, deplorable condition; bricks are more inviting and attractive
Derocher - scope of parking benefit fund expenditures, what is appropriate (TM) infrastructure improvements, operation of district including snow removal, stamped brick
Butler - bricks are unlevel, set in sand, liability suit waiting to happen, set in sand is not the way to do it
Melofchik - Cambridge Common is a good example, Broadway plaza include Memorial Park (TM) yes; public participation (TM) within 2 months; move anything (TM) no, sidewalks only, veterans group exploring moving memorial; wants to be informed
Helmuth - term deb yes (voice)
Vote: yes (185-3)
AC
Leonard - surplus will carry forward, need TMM approval
Worden - replacing sidewalks, why, (TM) prioritize accessibility, deplorable condition; bricks are more inviting and attractive
Derocher - scope of parking benefit fund expenditures, what is appropriate (TM) infrastructure improvements, operation of district including snow removal, stamped brick
Butler - bricks are unlevel, set in sand, liability suit waiting to happen, set in sand is not the way to do it
Melofchik - Cambridge Common is a good example, Broadway plaza include Memorial Park (TM) yes; public participation (TM) within 2 months; move anything (TM) no, sidewalks only, veterans group exploring moving memorial; wants to be informed
Helmuth - term deb yes (voice)
Vote: yes (185-3)
Article 54:
No action (voice)
No action (voice)
Article 56: Collective Bargaining
DTM - settlement of collective bargaining, ranking officers
Tosti - FinCom unanimously supports
Weinstein - what are average salaries now and going into future (DTM) $70K - 125K
Moore - retroactive
Friedman - typical period of contract (DTM) 3 years
Subst. yes (voice)
Vote: yes (189-2)
DTM - settlement of collective bargaining, ranking officers
Tosti - FinCom unanimously supports
Weinstein - what are average salaries now and going into future (DTM) $70K - 125K
Moore - retroactive
Friedman - typical period of contract (DTM) 3 years
Subst. yes (voice)
Vote: yes (189-2)
Article 60: Transportation Infrastructure Fund
TM - money from Uber and Lift rides originating in Arlington, permanent implementation of Bus Rapid Transit
Vote: yes (188-4)
TM - money from Uber and Lift rides originating in Arlington, permanent implementation of Bus Rapid Transit
Vote: yes (188-4)
Article 64: Committees
Sophie - why 8-7 vote (AT) public art keeps growing, not core mission, was over amount of seed money; commission on disabilities (AT) all funding through town meeting, trying to be more active; oversight of committees
LaCourt - part of pushing arts, FinCom appointed a liaison to the arts community
Yontar - Term Deb yes (voice)
Vote: yes (187-2)
Sophie - why 8-7 vote (AT) public art keeps growing, not core mission, was over amount of seed money; commission on disabilities (AT) all funding through town meeting, trying to be more active; oversight of committees
LaCourt - part of pushing arts, FinCom appointed a liaison to the arts community
Yontar - Term Deb yes (voice)
Vote: yes (187-2)
Article 65: Events
Sophie - are we funding Town Night (TM) primarily private funds, decision to cut night was due to volunteer commitments, no current plans or funding for town night
Vote: yes (187-4)
Sophie - are we funding Town Night (TM) primarily private funds, decision to cut night was due to volunteer commitments, no current plans or funding for town night
Vote: yes (187-4)
Article 72: Overlay Reserve
Jameson - money from excess growth, move to stabilization (DTM) lots of money
Vote: yes (193-0)
Jameson - money from excess growth, move to stabilization (DTM) lots of money
Vote: yes (193-0)
Article 75: Cannabis
Tosti - "tokin" discussion, establish fund for future revenues, $1
Vote: yes (185-2)
Tosti - "tokin" discussion, establish fund for future revenues, $1
Vote: yes (185-2)
Article 77: Fiscal Stability Stabilization
Vote: yes (190-1)
Vote: yes (190-1)
Article 3: off table
2019 Town Meeting - Night Six
Welcome to Night Six
(These are presented as rough notes, as I was too tired to try and edit them down. It is now a year later, and I couldn't fix them if I tried.)
Test Vote
Announcements: financial program for seniors
Meetings regarding Restorative Justice
Opportunity to Thank You - 50 years for John Worden - street sign
Announcements: financial program for seniors
Meetings regarding Restorative Justice
Opportunity to Thank You - 50 years for John Worden - street sign
Reports of Committees: none
Back to Article 58:
Worden Amendment - flooding mitigation
Levy - delay DPW and Senior Center 2 years
Jameson - "discontented" rescinding previous years' borrowing, so many trucks, why voting machines (no response), wants to know more about DPW Project
Dennis - purchasing voting machines, our machines are outdated, use WinXP, no longer manufactured, is there a state reimbursement (don't know), will be ready for 2020
Dunn - against amendment, why intersection project is important, is there a problem - yes, how to resolve it - TAC did two studies before SB approval, at 75% drawing
Foskett - (Rademacher) flooding is hard, cannot increase culvert an push problem downstream
McNeal - approve Lake Street crossing before someone dies
Hayner - for Lake St crossing, will anyone police it
Friedman - override and Capital Budget, (Foskett) keep Capital Budget at 5% of total non-exempt budget, override includes both, how much will override add ? (TM) $350 / ave. house
Fisher - how much playting field being lost to parking for DPW? net gain with AHS/DPW projects
Bilskis - thanks to DPW, lives near Lake St crossing, on design committee, Brooks and Lake, will town perform followup (TM) yes
McCabe - term deb yes (150-57)
Amendment - no (20-189)
Vote - yes (198-14)
Worden Amendment - flooding mitigation
Levy - delay DPW and Senior Center 2 years
Jameson - "discontented" rescinding previous years' borrowing, so many trucks, why voting machines (no response), wants to know more about DPW Project
Dennis - purchasing voting machines, our machines are outdated, use WinXP, no longer manufactured, is there a state reimbursement (don't know), will be ready for 2020
Dunn - against amendment, why intersection project is important, is there a problem - yes, how to resolve it - TAC did two studies before SB approval, at 75% drawing
Foskett - (Rademacher) flooding is hard, cannot increase culvert an push problem downstream
McNeal - approve Lake Street crossing before someone dies
Hayner - for Lake St crossing, will anyone police it
Friedman - override and Capital Budget, (Foskett) keep Capital Budget at 5% of total non-exempt budget, override includes both, how much will override add ? (TM) $350 / ave. house
Fisher - how much playting field being lost to parking for DPW? net gain with AHS/DPW projects
Bilskis - thanks to DPW, lives near Lake St crossing, on design committee, Brooks and Lake, will town perform followup (TM) yes
McCabe - term deb yes (150-57)
Amendment - no (20-189)
Vote - yes (198-14)
Table 59-67
Article 68 - CPA
Helmuth -
Melofchik - Wittemore Park, tree canopy, doesn't want to lose tree canopy, doesn't like urbanization, sun baked plaza, doesn't reference other historic parks, don't think she understands project, projects should have climate resiliency at its core, environmental concerns, wait a year, who owns the property, lots of money, application questions, deed restrictions, Amendent
Rowe - opposed to amendment
Schlictman - park is underused, fences keep people out, beer tap only attraction, sick trees will go anyway, amendment will only eliminate reworking of park
Tremblay - what is the funding? (Rait: $500K is phase 1, CDBG for phase 2, CapBud for phase 3), how much to remove 4 trees (MR) $5-8K, how much to remove railings (MR) week of labor
Greenfield - reservoir, supports making it a safer place to swim, got sick last year, Spy Pond Park playground upcoming? (EH) in CapBud for 2020
How much for beer - $1500, extra fee for exclusive use ot town hall park
Leonard - out of scope
Stamps - professional wanted to remove 13 trees, tree warden says 5, remaining trees will be healthier and canopy will fill in
Worden - 1984 why is Wittemore under historic preservation, original plan was to get rid of tracks, supports amendment
Jameson - term deb - yes (voice)
Amendment - no (20-191)
Vote: yes (199-15)
Article 68 - CPA
Helmuth -
Melofchik - Wittemore Park, tree canopy, doesn't want to lose tree canopy, doesn't like urbanization, sun baked plaza, doesn't reference other historic parks, don't think she understands project, projects should have climate resiliency at its core, environmental concerns, wait a year, who owns the property, lots of money, application questions, deed restrictions, Amendent
Rowe - opposed to amendment
Schlictman - park is underused, fences keep people out, beer tap only attraction, sick trees will go anyway, amendment will only eliminate reworking of park
Tremblay - what is the funding? (Rait: $500K is phase 1, CDBG for phase 2, CapBud for phase 3), how much to remove 4 trees (MR) $5-8K, how much to remove railings (MR) week of labor
Greenfield - reservoir, supports making it a safer place to swim, got sick last year, Spy Pond Park playground upcoming? (EH) in CapBud for 2020
How much for beer - $1500, extra fee for exclusive use ot town hall park
Leonard - out of scope
Stamps - professional wanted to remove 13 trees, tree warden says 5, remaining trees will be healthier and canopy will fill in
Worden - 1984 why is Wittemore under historic preservation, original plan was to get rid of tracks, supports amendment
Jameson - term deb - yes (voice)
Amendment - no (20-191)
Vote: yes (199-15)
All articles off table, 3 back on table
Heim to speak on 35 and 50 - short term rental regulations
New State Law (12/18), registering, regulating, and taxing; state requires registration with the state, $1M liability insurance;
Moore - certification requirements on owner, specific inspections not required
LaCourt - registration required, requiring all departments to inspect is difficult for town, owners certify, implementation (TM) cannot proactively reach out until State regestry is established, SB to be helpful; in favor, town has a plan
Susse - runs an AirB&B, is in favor of all except 31 day requirement; 1/3 of renters are grandparents visiting for births, 1/3 are professors (DH) 31 day is state requirement
Revelak - what about non-conforming structures (DH) looking at illegal apartments
Yantar - term deb yes (voice)
Vote yes (202-10)
New State Law (12/18), registering, regulating, and taxing; state requires registration with the state, $1M liability insurance;
Moore - certification requirements on owner, specific inspections not required
LaCourt - registration required, requiring all departments to inspect is difficult for town, owners certify, implementation (TM) cannot proactively reach out until State regestry is established, SB to be helpful; in favor, town has a plan
Susse - runs an AirB&B, is in favor of all except 31 day requirement; 1/3 of renters are grandparents visiting for births, 1/3 are professors (DH) 31 day is state requirement
Revelak - what about non-conforming structures (DH) looking at illegal apartments
Yantar - term deb yes (voice)
Vote yes (202-10)
Table 36-49
Article 50 - STR Fees
Guest - agent and owner same rules
Vote yes (202-12)
Guest - agent and owner same rules
Vote yes (202-12)
36-49 off table
Article 36 - Election Modernization
Kelleher amendment - ex-officio to avoid conflict of interest, two TMM's
Moore - no requirements
Yantar - 9 goals, does this include goals of better distribution of materials, increase voter turnout, easier to run (DM) not specific charge but important, how do people get involved
Waxman - Cambridge election commission, rank choice voting, excited what this committee could do but doesn't meet specific qualifications
Olzinski - LWV in favor
Dutra (20) term debate no (voice)
Kelleher yes (109-84)
Moore no (152-47)
Vote yes (188-9)
Kelleher amendment - ex-officio to avoid conflict of interest, two TMM's
Moore - no requirements
Yantar - 9 goals, does this include goals of better distribution of materials, increase voter turnout, easier to run (DM) not specific charge but important, how do people get involved
Waxman - Cambridge election commission, rank choice voting, excited what this committee could do but doesn't meet specific qualifications
Olzinski - LWV in favor
Dutra (20) term debate no (voice)
Kelleher yes (109-84)
Moore no (152-47)
Vote yes (188-9)
Article 37 - Civil Service
Dunn - Civil Service limits pool and how they are evaluated, our process is broken, difficult to change civil service at state level, management control over police chief, if we had a chief at odds with TM and TMM, SB can fire but not under civil service, 19% of chiefs in state have civil service
Mahon - basic merit, assure employees against political pressure and arbatrary rule, keep politics out of it, don't relax requirements for the head of the department, CS requires training and examination at all levels, are certified, vote against
Jefferson - (Brian Gallagher) APD, ranking officer association, vote against, loss of CS would impact leadership of chief, has worked well for 17 years, well respected department
Mahar - support recommended vote, former town council, requirements regarding hiring and firing, merit diluted by bonuses, firing for cause can be negotiated in contract, strong town manager act, best to give TM full authority, unfettered authority
Dunn - Civil Service limits pool and how they are evaluated, our process is broken, difficult to change civil service at state level, management control over police chief, if we had a chief at odds with TM and TMM, SB can fire but not under civil service, 19% of chiefs in state have civil service
Mahon - basic merit, assure employees against political pressure and arbatrary rule, keep politics out of it, don't relax requirements for the head of the department, CS requires training and examination at all levels, are certified, vote against
Jefferson - (Brian Gallagher) APD, ranking officer association, vote against, loss of CS would impact leadership of chief, has worked well for 17 years, well respected department
Mahar - support recommended vote, former town council, requirements regarding hiring and firing, merit diluted by bonuses, firing for cause can be negotiated in contract, strong town manager act, best to give TM full authority, unfettered authority
2020 Town Meeting
Well, that was the strangest Town Meeting I've ever been a part of. Two hours start-to-finish. It was over way to early.
We started filing onto Peirce Field to sit in chairs six-foot on center. It was cordial among the members, but it was strange not being able to really say "hello" and catch up. The Moderator opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance instead of the Star Spangled Banner. The blessing was delivered by Dr. Wong from St. John’s Episcopal Church. It spoke to the racial tensions around us, and the involvement of the youth in working to better the community. This was followed by the swearing in of the new members.
After brief remarks from Mr. Hurd on behalf of the Select Board, reports from the various boards were received. We reappointed Mr. Worden as the Measurer of Wood and Bark and Ms. Wren nominated Mr. O'Conor to serve as the Assistant Moderator.
We opened with the first of two consent agendas. This one was intended to accept all the "no action" votes put forward by the Select Board and the "refer to committee" votes by the Arlington Redevelopment Board. Since there were no substantive votes, and no substitute motions were filed, the agenda should have passed quickly. The Moderator still needed to give an opportunity for members to identify articles to be discussed if there was anything to discuss, which there wasn't. Someone opted to hold on the first article. They had no substitute motion, and seemingly no reason for holding. The Moderator explained again why there was nothing to discuss, and the hold was withdrawn. We then kept all the articles on the consent agenda, and approved the recommended votes.
We then skipped ahead to Art. 50, the Community Development Block Grant, a federal program under HUD. It was accepted without debate. We then had Dr. Bouquillon present the Minuteman budget. It sounds like they are a little bit of a victim of their own success. Assessments to the member communities are up because in-district enrollment is up, limiting out-of district funding. There were several questions that were covered in the submitted report. Please do your reading!! The budget was approved.
There were only a few items on the Town Budget that members wanted to discuss. There was a clarification sought on the difference between "Signal Maintenance" under the Town Budget (operational maintenance, like painting) and "Signal Maintenance" under the Capital Budget (long-term investments, like replacements). There was a question on the amount of the reduction in funding under the school budget (10% reduction on the proposed increase, like all departments, as in the reading), answered by the new School CFO, Mr. Mason. This was followed by Mr. Leonard's timely question about security at the AHS work site. There was a theft reported last week, but the budget doesn't include funding for security. Dr. Bodie reported that she had a discussion earlier in the day with various parties, and new high-resolution cameras were being installed around the site to supplement the existing building cameras. There would also be better procedures for the storage of keys and locking the site. Ms. Friedman had a question about the budget for the Ed Burns Arena, since it has been closed. Mr. Pooler noted that there had been some layoffs of temporary staff, but there was every reason to believe that the rink could be reopened in the fall.
The really interesting discussion was over the police budget. Mr. Weinstein raised an interesting question about the raises among the leadership in the police department. All the upper level officers received 5-8% raises, while the patrolmen only received a 1.25% raise. The answer, according to Mr. Pooler was that the larger raises actually reflected a two-year increase; year one was in collective bargaining article from 2019. Meanwhile, the patrolman's union was operating without a contract for several years, and had now entered arbitration with the Town. The conclusion is expected in the fall. There was a further question about whether Town Meeting could discuss specific line items in a budget. The Moderator said no; we could amend the budget for the department, but not for a specific item in the budget. There was then an impromptu attempt to defund the police. Mr. Weinstein sought to reduce the police budget by an unspecified amount. It was unspecified, because the Moderator cut him off there, and indicated the request needed to be in writing. He gave Mr. Weinstein an opportunity to write his request, indicating his displeasure at not receiving the request before the Friday morning deadline. The Moderator seemed to talk himself out of granting the opportunity, decided that it was too late, and decided the request was out of order. We never got to hear the final proposal. As the sun set behind the DPW, and the field grew noticeably cooler, the Town Budget was approved.
The Capital Budget was presented by Mr. Yontar, new Chairman of the committee. He replaces Mr. Foskett after 30 years of service. As a town, we are indebted (really more like not in debt) because of his steadfast and reasoned leadership. The Capital Budget is the only budget not reduced from earlier this year. The decision was made, because delaying the expenditures only means making the same purchases later, possibly at a higher cost. Mr. Weinstein noted that the police budget is the largest budget under the Town Manager, and asked about how the funding level for new police vehicles was reached, and whether a reduction was considered. It was presented that the town typically purchases three vehicles every year with those funds, a marked vehicle, an unmarked vehicle, and motorcycle. Ms. Dray asked about the longevity of the vehicles, and received a different answer from Chief Flaherty. She indicated they tend to purchase two marked cars and one unmarked car every year, with a motorcycle purchased every four years. The vehicles tend to last 3-4 years; longer in the Heights than in the East due to miles driven. The parking division has two employees and one vehicle. They are looking to replace that vehicle and add a second in the coming years. The animal control van is five years old, and it too will need replacement in the coming years.
Mr. Jamieson noted that the police budget wasn't the largest, as water and sewer was more than three times as large. He also extolled the 5% plan, where by the capital budget is set at 5% of the overall budget every year. This has kept us on an even keep for decades. Ms. Lacourt Noted that the DPW budget is even larger. She wondered if the 5% could be lowered in times of crisis. Mr. Yontak agreed it could, but doing so could lead to deferred maintenance and a larger capital expenditure in the future. Mr Deyst asked about the possibility of electric police vehicles. A large portion of an officer's time is spent in the car with the engine at idle, using the electronics to perform their duties. The efficiency of using power that way was presented as 5%. An electric car would be much more efficient. The Town Manager noted that Ford has an all-electric "pursuit-rated" vehicle, but it is still a couple of years from being practical.
We quickly discussed the sewer and water mains enterprise funds, then voted them along with the capital budget. Since all three votes required a 2/3 majority for bonding, they were held together, they were approved unanimously. We did community development in there somewhere, and it was unanimously approved as well. We then voted the second consent agenda for funding items needing only a simple majority vote, and that were uncontroversial. That was approved. This left only the Fiscal Stability Stabilization Fund, which was approved as well. Mr. Tosti rose to take Article 3 off the table to close the meeting. Before doing so, he noted that he was stepping down after decades at the helm of the finance committee. He thanked all those who had served on that committee and those who serve on Town Meeting. He then called to dissolve the meeting for the last time. He will be sorely missed.
With the meeting over, we couldn't just leave. To maintain social distance, we were dismissed by rows, so we wouldn't bunch up on the way out. Since it was only 8:30, there was still some time spent socializing and discussing the state of the town, the virus, the isolation, and what comes next. Whatever it is, I hope it will be safe enough to do it a little more socially.
Best, and good health,
Christian
We started filing onto Peirce Field to sit in chairs six-foot on center. It was cordial among the members, but it was strange not being able to really say "hello" and catch up. The Moderator opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance instead of the Star Spangled Banner. The blessing was delivered by Dr. Wong from St. John’s Episcopal Church. It spoke to the racial tensions around us, and the involvement of the youth in working to better the community. This was followed by the swearing in of the new members.
After brief remarks from Mr. Hurd on behalf of the Select Board, reports from the various boards were received. We reappointed Mr. Worden as the Measurer of Wood and Bark and Ms. Wren nominated Mr. O'Conor to serve as the Assistant Moderator.
We opened with the first of two consent agendas. This one was intended to accept all the "no action" votes put forward by the Select Board and the "refer to committee" votes by the Arlington Redevelopment Board. Since there were no substantive votes, and no substitute motions were filed, the agenda should have passed quickly. The Moderator still needed to give an opportunity for members to identify articles to be discussed if there was anything to discuss, which there wasn't. Someone opted to hold on the first article. They had no substitute motion, and seemingly no reason for holding. The Moderator explained again why there was nothing to discuss, and the hold was withdrawn. We then kept all the articles on the consent agenda, and approved the recommended votes.
We then skipped ahead to Art. 50, the Community Development Block Grant, a federal program under HUD. It was accepted without debate. We then had Dr. Bouquillon present the Minuteman budget. It sounds like they are a little bit of a victim of their own success. Assessments to the member communities are up because in-district enrollment is up, limiting out-of district funding. There were several questions that were covered in the submitted report. Please do your reading!! The budget was approved.
There were only a few items on the Town Budget that members wanted to discuss. There was a clarification sought on the difference between "Signal Maintenance" under the Town Budget (operational maintenance, like painting) and "Signal Maintenance" under the Capital Budget (long-term investments, like replacements). There was a question on the amount of the reduction in funding under the school budget (10% reduction on the proposed increase, like all departments, as in the reading), answered by the new School CFO, Mr. Mason. This was followed by Mr. Leonard's timely question about security at the AHS work site. There was a theft reported last week, but the budget doesn't include funding for security. Dr. Bodie reported that she had a discussion earlier in the day with various parties, and new high-resolution cameras were being installed around the site to supplement the existing building cameras. There would also be better procedures for the storage of keys and locking the site. Ms. Friedman had a question about the budget for the Ed Burns Arena, since it has been closed. Mr. Pooler noted that there had been some layoffs of temporary staff, but there was every reason to believe that the rink could be reopened in the fall.
The really interesting discussion was over the police budget. Mr. Weinstein raised an interesting question about the raises among the leadership in the police department. All the upper level officers received 5-8% raises, while the patrolmen only received a 1.25% raise. The answer, according to Mr. Pooler was that the larger raises actually reflected a two-year increase; year one was in collective bargaining article from 2019. Meanwhile, the patrolman's union was operating without a contract for several years, and had now entered arbitration with the Town. The conclusion is expected in the fall. There was a further question about whether Town Meeting could discuss specific line items in a budget. The Moderator said no; we could amend the budget for the department, but not for a specific item in the budget. There was then an impromptu attempt to defund the police. Mr. Weinstein sought to reduce the police budget by an unspecified amount. It was unspecified, because the Moderator cut him off there, and indicated the request needed to be in writing. He gave Mr. Weinstein an opportunity to write his request, indicating his displeasure at not receiving the request before the Friday morning deadline. The Moderator seemed to talk himself out of granting the opportunity, decided that it was too late, and decided the request was out of order. We never got to hear the final proposal. As the sun set behind the DPW, and the field grew noticeably cooler, the Town Budget was approved.
The Capital Budget was presented by Mr. Yontar, new Chairman of the committee. He replaces Mr. Foskett after 30 years of service. As a town, we are indebted (really more like not in debt) because of his steadfast and reasoned leadership. The Capital Budget is the only budget not reduced from earlier this year. The decision was made, because delaying the expenditures only means making the same purchases later, possibly at a higher cost. Mr. Weinstein noted that the police budget is the largest budget under the Town Manager, and asked about how the funding level for new police vehicles was reached, and whether a reduction was considered. It was presented that the town typically purchases three vehicles every year with those funds, a marked vehicle, an unmarked vehicle, and motorcycle. Ms. Dray asked about the longevity of the vehicles, and received a different answer from Chief Flaherty. She indicated they tend to purchase two marked cars and one unmarked car every year, with a motorcycle purchased every four years. The vehicles tend to last 3-4 years; longer in the Heights than in the East due to miles driven. The parking division has two employees and one vehicle. They are looking to replace that vehicle and add a second in the coming years. The animal control van is five years old, and it too will need replacement in the coming years.
Mr. Jamieson noted that the police budget wasn't the largest, as water and sewer was more than three times as large. He also extolled the 5% plan, where by the capital budget is set at 5% of the overall budget every year. This has kept us on an even keep for decades. Ms. Lacourt Noted that the DPW budget is even larger. She wondered if the 5% could be lowered in times of crisis. Mr. Yontak agreed it could, but doing so could lead to deferred maintenance and a larger capital expenditure in the future. Mr Deyst asked about the possibility of electric police vehicles. A large portion of an officer's time is spent in the car with the engine at idle, using the electronics to perform their duties. The efficiency of using power that way was presented as 5%. An electric car would be much more efficient. The Town Manager noted that Ford has an all-electric "pursuit-rated" vehicle, but it is still a couple of years from being practical.
We quickly discussed the sewer and water mains enterprise funds, then voted them along with the capital budget. Since all three votes required a 2/3 majority for bonding, they were held together, they were approved unanimously. We did community development in there somewhere, and it was unanimously approved as well. We then voted the second consent agenda for funding items needing only a simple majority vote, and that were uncontroversial. That was approved. This left only the Fiscal Stability Stabilization Fund, which was approved as well. Mr. Tosti rose to take Article 3 off the table to close the meeting. Before doing so, he noted that he was stepping down after decades at the helm of the finance committee. He thanked all those who had served on that committee and those who serve on Town Meeting. He then called to dissolve the meeting for the last time. He will be sorely missed.
With the meeting over, we couldn't just leave. To maintain social distance, we were dismissed by rows, so we wouldn't bunch up on the way out. Since it was only 8:30, there was still some time spent socializing and discussing the state of the town, the virus, the isolation, and what comes next. Whatever it is, I hope it will be safe enough to do it a little more socially.
Best, and good health,
Christian
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