2022 Annual Town Meeting - Night Seven

Welcome one and all to Night Seven of the 2022 Annual Town Meeting!  If my count is correct, we have 38 more articles to go, so we are right around the half-way mark.  If this was night four, we might be jubilant, but being night seven, we are really going slow.  We are doing the business of the town with due diligence.  It just takes a while.  We did 92 articles in 11 sessions last year.  How did we fare tonight?

We started tonight with the Town Budgets.  The recommended vote on the funding comes from the Finance Committee, who has spent months vetting the requests.  At this point, members are taking this opportunity to ask specifics about some budgets, and asking general questions on others.  This is how Town Meeting is supposed to work.  We have direct access to the town's directors.  However, we only discuss the budgets that members requested to address at the start of the discussion on the article at the previous session.  Those budgets were:  Finance Committee (1), Town Manager (3), Town Clerk (11), Planning and Community Development (14), Zoning Board of Appeals (16), Public Works (17), Police Services (19), Inspections (21), Education (22), and the Arlington Youth Counseling Center Enterprise Fund (E).  We discussed Education last time, so we are starting tonight with the Town Manager's budget.  But first, we need to get the meeting opened.

We start with the "Attendance Vote."  This is just an opportunity for the members to test the voting system and confirm that everything is working properly.  The Moderator called the meeting back into order.  The Star Spangled Banner was performed by Katya Shubochkin.  The Moderator had a few comments.  We will not meet on Memorial Day.  He outlined his letter that was distributed over the weekend.  He will take a poll on termination after at least 15 minutes.  He discussed the requirements for posting emails to the Town Meeting Member email list.  He confirmed with Counsel that there is no requirement to show the voting confirmation screens on votes to terminate debate, so that won't happen tonight.  The Moderator will try to promote speakers who have not had the opportunity to do so previously.  (This sounds very different from the rhetoric before town meeting.)  We wanted to reiterate that the correct term is "Select Board" not "Board of Selectmen".

On a somber note, the Moderator announced that Elsie Fiore passed away this weekend at the age of 94.  Before stepping down, she was the longest serving member on Town Meeting, and served the town as the Measurer of Wood and Bark.  She is succeeded by her son Peter, who is a current member of Town Meeting.  We paused for a moment of silence in her memory.

SBC Diggins moved that when the meeting adjourns this evening, we do so until Wednesday, May 18.  There was a call for announcements and resolutions.  TMM Foskett, Chair of the Finance Committee requested an administrative change for the ZBA Budget under Article 50.  The report indicates that the employee position is a 0.49 FTE, when it is really a 0.29 FTE, and has been so for the past many years. The Moderator and Clerk accepted the correction. There were no other announcements.  Article 3 was removed from the table to receive reports.  TMM Barr, Co-Chair of the Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC) submitted their report.  He reported that it was a busy year.  He provided brief highlights in the committee's work to advance the goals of the Master Plan.  The Select Board approved "Connect Arlington", the sustainable transportation plan.  The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) started work on the Minuteman Bikeway improvement project planning, hosting several community meetings.  Housing Plan was approved.  Safe Routes to Schools, bike sharing, a town-wide archaeological survey continued this year.  The Open Space and Recreation Plan started implementation.  The Community Center renovation project was completed.  The project to overhaul the Department of Public Works (DPW) yard and offices continues.  TMM Mann noted how several of the Master Plan goals related to zoning articles before the meeting this year.  The MPIC voted to endorse several articles.  (I believe he noted 28, 29, and 41.)  They made no recommendation on Article 38.  (He spoke really fast, so I hope I caught all that.)  Article 3 was then placed back on the table.

We returned to discussing the budgets.  The Moderator noted we would complete the discussion of the budgets as requested at the prior hearing.  We would then vote all the budgets as a single vote.  The late request to add a budget hold at the end of last evening was denied.  There is no reconsideration on the discussion on budgets.  First up was TMM Revilak to address the Select Board budget.  He had some general questions in regards to finance, which the Moderator allowed.  He asked how we define new growth.  TMM Foskett responded that it is new development that adds to the tax base.  TMM Revilak  asked how this impacts the need for tax overrides?  TMM Foskett noted that per five year plan, referencing Property Tax Line E, one can see it increases by 2.5% on existing assets.  Anything above that comes from new growth.  TMM Revilak asked it was fair to say that new growth can reduce the need for overrides.  TMM Foskett appeared to respond in the affirmative.  TMM Revilak noted that the Town Report indicated that our growth rate last year was the lowest among our peer communities.  TMM Foskett responded that unlike several of those communities, we have no available land for growth.  Fast growing communities have room for growth.  (Scope question raised by the Moderator)  TMM Revilak noted that with the need to control spending, while we may not be able to attract a lot of new growth, any new growth would be welcomed.  TMM Moore passed.  TMM Levy didn't respond.  TMM L_Heigham passed.  TMM Miller thought it might be appropriate that our overrides are larger, and they might be appropriate for land strapped communities like ours.  TMM Trembley passed.  TMM McCabe called the question on the Select Board budget.  That motion passed 201-24 with five abstentions.   The Moderator reminded the members that he will be calling members out of order to try and spread around the speaker time.  (Rain has started - nice background sound.  Now its gone.)

Budget #3 is the Town Manager budget.  This had been held by TMM Maher, participating in his 48th annual town meeting.  He noted that Town Manager Chapdelaine is leaving in June.  After thanking him, TMM Maher noted that the salary line item in the budget is his concern.  It is difficult to find a strong professional manager.  There are several other communities looking right now.  The Select Board is allowed to negotiate a separate contract with a selected applicant.  He considers the current salary quite low.  He asked for an update on the search process.  SBC Diggins noted that he was authorized to negotiate with Deputy Town Manager (DTM) Pooler to elevate him to the position of Interim Town Manager for the remainder of the Current Town Manager's contract.  TMM Kaepplein wanted to ask a question of the Town Manager.  The town appears to have high headcount growth and low capital expenditures. (Scope Call)  Why didn't the town use furloughs during the Pandemic?  (Scope Call)  Why do we have 12 new positions using ARPA funds?  How will they be supported when the federal funding ends?  The Town Manager wasn't familiar with 12 positions.  He understood there were at least two.  Those positions were understood to be temporary, ending at the end of funding.  TMM Foskett thanked Mr. Chapdelaine.  He wanted to make sure we looked at compensation, looking at the next manager's ability to control spending.  He was the last speaker to this budget.

Budget #11 was the Town Clerk's budget.  The Moderator re-explained his straw pole plan.  TMM Benedikt had asked to hold the budget.  She passed.  TMM Atlas was looking at the budget, and thought there might have been a typo in the report.  The Town Manager noted that section B on elections was added to this budget, and removed from the Select Board's budget.  That was all the speakers on this budget.

Budget #14 was the DPCD.  TMM Auster noted he is trying to save our time, and he asked the question of the Director before the session, so he will now pass.  The response he received will be posted to the online annotated warrant.  TMM Bloom noted the expenses increased by $81,000; is that another employee?  The Town Manager noted that the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Administrator position was not previously reported as a part of the budget.  It was in a special account.  It is now listed as an offset in the DPCD budget.  That was the last speaker on this budget.

Budget #16 was the Zoning Board of Appeals budget.  TMM Friedman had asked for the hold, but she passed.  That was the only speaker on this budget.

Budget #17 was the DPW.  TMM Trembley asked whether the town is looking to reconfigure any intersections in town this year.  Dir. Rademacher indicated there were two projects in the planning and design phase:  Appleton Street at  Mass Ave and Chestnut Street at Mystic Ave.  TMM Trembley asked whether at Appleton, permanent curbs would be installed?  He reported trucks have problems making deliveries.  The Director noted that it was too early to tell as both projects are in planning and design.  TMM Trembley asked whether there would be public hearings.  The Director responded in the affirmative.  (Somehow, TMM Trembley failed to ask how much road salt had been used by the DPW during the previous winter.  This was his famous question.  Now we might never know...)  TMM Kaepplein had a head-scratcher regarding the Gilboa Road project.  It was previously noted that it had been repaved using private way funds, even though it is town owned property.  The Director noted it was classified as a private way.  TMM Kaepplein thought it was all town property.  He was the last speaker on this budget.

Budget #18 was held by TMM Thornton.  She noted that the town spends a tremendous amount of money on facilities.  They appear to be appraised at a fraction of their replacement value.  Full appraisals would help maintain the town's assets.  She also noted that there has been a lot of turnover in the director position.  She asked for a status update on  the Director and the annual report.  The Town Manager noted there had been turnover, but a new Director started today.  Given the lapse in leadership, the annual report had not been prepared on time for the Annual Report.  DTM Feeney acted as the interim director.  TMM Trembley noted that Mr. Feeney had reached out to him to respond to all his questions.  The town has had trouble attracting workers to fill vacant maintenance positions.  How many open positions are there?  The Manager noted the town is working hard to address current vacancies.  TMM Trembley referenced the positions reclassification discussion we had last week, and he hoped the town could be fully staffed in the near future.

Budget #19 was the Police Services budget, held by TMM Weinstein.  He had three questions.  First, regarding social workers, he noted there had been a drop in the salary.  He believes the position had been reduced from full-time to 0.75 FTE, and he asked why.  Police Chief Flaherty noted that the position wasn't reduced, it was now shared with another department's budget.  TMM Weinstein sought additional clarification on its having been reduced twice in two years.  DTM Pooler was asked to clarify the situation, as in the detail of personnel services, the number keeps being reduced.  DTM Pooler noted that there was an overestimate in the prior year when the position was first shared, so this year there was an additional correction.  TMM Weinstein asked, regarding overtime, why are we are paying the same amount every year, and why so much?  Couldn't it be reduced by increasing the employee count?  DTM Pooler said this was a good question.  The department tries to balance need vs. number of employees.  There have been vacancies, leading to more overtime than desired.  They have had difficulties with hiring.  The Moderator prompted for the third question.  TMM Weinstein noted that overtime has been consistent year after year, and he wanted to know if the town could look into that.  His third question was in regards to the use of body cameras.  He wanted to know where that appears in the budget.  The Chief said it is not in the budget yet.  The town is negotiating with the patrolmen.  TMM Garber noted that there was a note which appeared to indicate $22K was spent last year for the body cameras.  She asked if there was a policy on their use in place.  The Chief noted that they have not purchased cameras, and they are working on the draft policy.  TMM Garber asked about stipends in the budget.  DTM Pooler noted that the stipend line in the budget covers a stipend for the purchase of uniforms.  TMM Jamieson tried to address the meeting, but his connection was very challenging.  The Manager referred his connection to the tech team.  When his line cleared up, he noted that he kept getting muted.  He had questions about police details.  He noted that we voted last year to increase the pool of people available to work details.  Did that help?  The Chief noted that for the most part it has.  However, the town needs 3-30 detail officers every day.  Some details still go unfilled, but the number is much lower.  TMM Jamieson asked the Chief to continue working with the new acting town manager and consider civilian flaggers.  In regards to the earlier connection issues, the Moderator noted that Zoom might be cycling off the permission to talk when the signal is weak.  TMM Fischer shared the previously noted concern regarding overtime.  He wanted to know what was the most common reason for overtime, and how is it managed?  The Chief noted that there is minimum required staffing, and if there are too few officers available, another person is brought on through overtime.  TMM Foskett wanted to address TMM Weinstein's overtime question.  The budget line is similar year-to-year since it is only a budget.  The actual expenditure does vary year-to-year.  TMM L_Heigham moved to terminate debate on the police budget.  (There is a little thunder in the distance.)  The motion passed 170-53 with 3 abstentions.

Budget #21 was held by TMM Jamieson.  He welcomed the new director of Inspectional Services.  He asked for an explanation of the roles of the department.  Dir. Ciampa noted the main function of the department was the review and issuance of building permits and the enforcement of the Zoning Bylaws.  He noted there were new employees being added to the payroll to address the backlog of cases and help address violations.  TMM Jamieson asked about the new final cost affidavit.  The Director noted positive results, even while the program was still rolling out.  The estimated construction values on permits were much more in line with actual values.  TMM Jamieson asked about the benefits of using the department.  The Director noted that there was a tremendous amount of building going on right now, including unpermitted and unsafe practices.  Some home owners are being defrauded.  There are now penalties being assessed.  TMM Kaepplein thanked the Director for bringing a new level of integrity to the office.  The Moderator asked the speaker to avoid casting aspersions on past employees.  TMM Kaepplein noted that there are many complaints that go unaddressed including a church with too many signs and the low-balling of construction cost estimates.  Dir. Ciampa noted that there will be more enforcement going forward, since there were many issues with under-staffing.  The department was getting to the backlog of complaints.  There were no more speakers on this budget.

The Enterprise Fund for the Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC) was held by TMM Benedikt. She had a question about the psychiatric nurse.  She noted several budget  increases, while the psychiatrist position was reduced to zero.  The Town Manager deferred to Dir. Bongiorno.  She believed there is an error in the Finance report.  The former psychiatric nurse / psychiatrist combo retired, so it is being staffed by only a psychiatrist now.  The change in budget was reported on the wrong line.  There had been a great increase in requests for counseling services among the town's youth.  The Clerk will make the administrative correction to the report.  TMM Benedikt asked if there were any plans to add back the psychiatric nurse or hire additional psychiatrists.  The Director noted it was very difficult to hire qualified people, as there is a general shortage of professionals.  This was the last speaker on this budget.  The Moderator noted that Budget 24 was not held, as it was not noted at the proper time.  As there were no other held budgets, so we moved to the vote on the appropriation for all the town budgets.  The Moderator noted a yes vote funds the town, and a no vote would deny the town the ability to support its government.  The vote on the article passed 224-7 with three abstentions.  This brought us to our break.

Article 51 is the Capital Budget as prepared by the Capital Planning Committee.  TMM Yontar,  Chair of the committee, wished everyone well.  He extended thanks to all those in town who contributed to the work of the committee.  He gave a detailed report on the spending plans included in the proposed vote.  Roughly speaking, this article allows the town to purchase items, raise funds to pay for them, and pay the payments on that debt.  TMM Leone had a question regarding a line item for additional classrooms at the Pierce School.  The School CFO was unavailable to answer.  TMM Yontar noted there was a small reconfiguration within the building to gain classrooms.  He was unable to indicate what space may have been converted.  TMM Leone then asked about the Hardy School roof.  TMM Yontar noted the Hardy is the second oldest elementary school in town.  The schools of this vintage are reaching the age where they need major maintenance of roofing and mechanical systems.  TMM Leone was glad that there was a plan in place to maintain our facilities.  TMM Harrelson was called upon, and he was curious about the microcomputer program.  Chief Information Officer Sheppard said it included many types of equipment from administrative laptops to servers and switches to printers.  It is a hardware funding item.  TMM Benson asked about the engine pumper for the fire department.  He asked whether the town considered an electric model, as we have a net-zero plan.  He asked if that was considered.  Chief Kelly was not present, so TMM Yontar noted that there was not a discussion regarding an all electric engine in his committee, but he was glad that they are becoming available.  He thought that due to the mass of the truck, it was closer to the end of the line for the transition.  He deferred to the Town Manager who added that the electric unit was only publicly announced this week, it costs 50% more than the budget, and he was uncertain about the winter performance.  TMM Benson hoped there would be a serious look at the technology for the next purchase.  TMM Jamieson noted there were concerns from Brackett parents at the Precinct 12-14 meeting regarding the closed school playground.  He was looking for confirmation that the school playground would be operable by next fall.  TMM Yontar said there were funds available to be expended over the summer to repair the playground for the near term, until a larger project can be designed and added to a future capital budget.  Robbins Farm playground is on the Community Preservation Committee's proposed budget this year.  TMM Jamieson asked who was funding the repairs, and the school department was identified. The Moderator noted the Superintendent would be reached for comment.

TMM Trembley asked about how much was spent on the step replacement project in front of Town Hall.  TMM Yontar noted it was in a prior year's budget.  TMM Trembley asked about the line item for bike racks.  Dir. Raitt noted that there are multiple racks to be installed in consultation with the Recreation Department.  This item was unrelated to the BlueBikes appropriation.  TMM Trembley asked about a line item for consultants.  Dir. Raitt noted that this would be used to hire experts for specific tasks beyond the capabilities of the staff.  The request would be an open call for consultants.  TMM Trembley asked about the roadway engineer line item.  Dir. Rademacher noted that there are times the engineering division needs an outside consultant.  TMM Trembley asked about the line item about traffic signal upgrades.  The Director noted the town's signal system is older, and the funding would be to upgrade the control boxes.  TMM Trembley asked whether the signal timing could be adjusted, and he noted several signals he would reprogram.  The Director noted that would require a study before making changes.  TMM Trembley had a question about the Big Belly compactors; do they pay for themselves with reduced staffing needs.  The Manager noted that with expanded outdoor dining, there was a change in workflow.  Disposable items are now being thrown out far more frequently in public bins on the street.  The compactors will help to contain the higher trash volumes.  In response to a question about funding for maintenance, the Manager noted there would be a long warranty.  Dr. Homan, the Superintendent of Schools joined us.  The question regarding the source of the funds to repair the Brackett Playground would come from the school's revolving fund for facilities rentals.  In regards to the Pierce School classroom reconfiguration, there will be a turnover of space.  The staff daycare will be converted to being an additional classroom for next school year.  TMM McCabe moved to terminate debate on the article.  The vote was passed 189-31 with three abstentions.  The vote on the article required a 2/3 vote as the article would issue new bonds.  The vote passed 222-3 with two abstentions.

Article 53 was an appropriation to finance sewers and sewerage facilities in town.  TMM Foskett noted that this and the following articles allow the town to borrow money from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) at zero interest and pay them back through service fees.  TMM Anderson had asked to pull this article from the consent agenda to bring attention to the condition of our sewer lines.  There are cracks in the older sanitary sewer lines which allow additional water to leech into the system along with illegal rain leader and sump pump connections, causing capacity issues, potentially leading to discharges further down the line.  This system-wide issue leads to sewage discharges into local water bodies including the Alewife Brook.  We need to support this article.  TMM Leone had questions on both this and the following article.  How many feet of pipe does this cover in a year.  Dir. Rademacher noted this covers 1 mile of water main and one section of town sewers.  (The town is divided into 13 regions, and the worst issues in one section is addressed each year.)  TMM Leone asked how long it would take to replace all pipe?  The Director noted that we have 130 miles of water pipe in town.  If we could replace 2 miles of water main each year, the oldest pipes would only be 70 years old.  TMM Leone asked if this still works with higher costs due to inflation?  The Director noted that he has had to increase the funding request and doubling the length would cost that much more.  On the sewer side, costs are stabilizing as the first round of repairs have been made around town.  TMM Murray moved to terminate debate.  The vote passed  209-11 with three abstentions, which brought up the main motion requiring a 2/3 vote.  It passed 223-0 without abstention.

Article 54 was a close relative to Article 53.  It was an appropriation to finance repairs to the water mains and facilities.  It was held from the consent agenda by TMM Band, who did not rise to address the article.  TMM Kaepplein said he had received a communication from a resident regarding consistency in billing for water.  He wanted to know why some people appear to not be paying very much at all.  Dir. Rademacher noted that there were times when there were "weird things" that would sometimes appear in the reporting.  There was an ongoing program to replace the older water meters.  That being the only speaker, we moved to the vote on the article, which required a 2/3 vote.  The motion passed 218-0 without abstention.

Article 57 was the appropriation for Town celebrations and events.  It was taken off the consent agenda by TMM Wagner.  TMM Foskett spoke to the recommended vote by the Finance Committee.  This covers events and honorifics.  There is nothing exceptional in the article.  TMM Wagner noted that Town Day is a celebration of Uncle Sam's birthday, and he hopes that link would be restored.  He also noted that the Friday night fireworks were greatly enjoyed, so he hoped they could be brought back.  His being the only comment, we moved to the vote on the main motion.  The vote passed 218-1 without abstention.

Article 60 was an appropriation to support the operations of BlueBike in Arlington.  If the Arlington List is any indication, this could be somewhat contentious.  TMM Foskett introduced TMM Lacourt to speak to the article.  She reported that the majority of the committee felt that it was an important service, and the proposed funding would extend the current contract for 2 additional years.  It was a one-time request.  TMM Kaepplein said there was no shame in failure.  When Lime left the area, that should have been a warning.  The town should cut its losses, sell the stations, and consider providing e-bikes instead.  He also had an issue as there was no similar allocation for the disabled.  He noted he emailed the membership, and noted that there could be better uses for the money.  He thought the funding from the federal government was hokey.  The funding program was not to support recreational use.  (Scope Call)  TMM Kaepplein said people want e-bikes and motorized options.  People can buy their own bikes for less than a membership.  Please vote no.  TMM MacNeill was a member of  the Arlington Bike Committee, which was asked to consider supporting this article.  He was initially concerned, but had come around.  The BlueBike program does not shift profits to a private company.  All raised funds go towards providing the service.  Should we be paying for this contract?  There were 1.3 rides per bike per day.  Many of the rides go beyond the boundaries of town.  The system breaks even at 2 trips per day.  There was a fundamental difference between BlueBike and Lime, in that one used docking stations, and the other did not.  There are good benefits to offering the BlueBike system, and it is not a waste of time.  TMM Weber raised a Point of Order to move to adjourn.  The Moderator asked for notices of reconsideration.  The motion to adjourn was seconded, and we were adjourned without objection.

>>  That night felt better than last week.  I left with a sense of accomplishment.  I thought we had a good mix of discussion and voting.  I think we might need to live with less discussion if we are to get to the end.

>> On the Town Budget, I voted to end discussion each time it came up.  The Moderator noted that questions do not need to fielded on the floor, they can be emailed separately.  That is probobly good practice.  I did support the final vote as well.  I also supported the Capital Budget, although my vote didn't seem to register.

>> The MWRA articles are no-brainers.  A zero-interest loan to keep the critical infrastructure maintained.  Yes, please!

>> I support the town funding celebrations, but I wish there was more funding available.  As it stands, there is very little supported under this article every year.

>> BlueBike is a tough one for me.  On the one hand, it could be a valuable service.  However, unless it has widespread availability, it will continue to have limited use.  Owning my own bike, I really don't see the need to participate.  I used Lime once in Winthrop, but I never used it again.

>> My apologies to my constituents for missing the next session.  I have a family obligation, and I really don't want to miss it.