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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019-11-26 TC Mtg Addendum � �GEIV 0 t3'r OWN CLERK'S OFi l(',E WATERTOWN, MASS. f isao_ 2019 NOV 22 Ph 1: 27 Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street Ce`° Watertown, MA 02472 ELECTED OFFICIALS: Phone: 617-972-6470 Mark S.Sideris, TOWN COUNCIL MEETING Council President TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 26,2019 AT 6:15 P.M. Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr., RICHARD E.MASTRANGELO COUNCIL CHAMBER Vice President& AGENDA District C Councilor Caroline Bays Councilor At Large 1. ROLL CALL Anthony J.Donato, Councilor At Large 2. EXECUTIVE SESSION—6:15 P.M. A. To Consider the Purchase, Exchange, Lease, or Value of Real Property as Councilor Att Large Susan Fa an Open Meeting May Have a Detrimental Effect on the Negotiating lar Position of the Public Body—321 Arsenal Street. Anthony Palomba, Councilor At Large B. To Conduct Strategy Sessions in Preparation for Negotiations with Non- Angeline B.Kounelis, Union Personnel or to Conduct Collective Bargaining Sessions or Contract District A Councilor Negotiations with Non-Union Personnel — Town Manager, Michael J. i Lisa J.Feltner, Driscoll District B Councilor 3. RETURN TO SESSION—7:15 P.M. Kenneth M.Woodland, District D Councilor 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 5. PUBLIC FORUM 6. EXAMINATION OF RECORDS OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Minutes of the November 12,2019 Town Council Meeting 7. PRESIDENT'S REPORT Report on the Performance Evaluation of the Town Manager for Fiscal Year 2019 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PRIOR MEETINGS ACTION ITEM Relating to the Committee on Economic Development and Planning Report Regarding Mariivana Local Ootion Tax : That the Town Council Adopt Chanter 64 N Section 3 for a 3%Marijuana Sales_ Tax 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1 of 2 i i A. Public Hearing and Vote on a Proposed Order Allocating the Prouertv Tax Levv Among or Between Provertv Classes for Fiscal Year 2020 B. Public Hearing and Vote on a Proposed Order Setting Optional Tax Exemptions for Fiscal Year 2020 C. Public Hearing and Vote on a Proposed Zoning Map Amendment by Removing the Parcels of Land Located at 70,78, 84-86,and 88 Galen Street from the Limited Business District and into the I-2 (Industrial-2) Zoning District in Keeping with Abutting Properties. 10. MOTIONS, ORDINANCES, ORDER,AND RESOLUTIONS A. Resolution Approving the Acceptance of Gift of Tangible Personal Property of Fitness Eauivment from Tufts Health Plan. B. First Reading on a Proposed Ordinance Amending the Town Manager's Compensation 11.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES A. Committee of the Budget and Fiscal Oversight Reports Regarding Recommendations on the FY2021 Budget Policy Guidelines—Vincent Piccirilli, Chair ACTION ITEM: That the Town Council Adopt the FY2021 Budget Policy Guidelines as Drafted B. Committee on Media and Public Outreach Report Regarding the Results of the Kitchen Table Conversations—Anthony Palomba, Chair 12.NEW BUSINESS Request for a Referral to the Human Services and Rules and Ordinances Committees Regarding the Expansion of the Consideration of the Noise Ordinance to Include Leaf Blowers 13. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER. A. Request for Confirmation of an Appointment to the Licensing Board B. Request for Confirmation of Appointment and Reappointments to the Stormwater Advisory Committee 14.REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION/REVIEW OF LIST OF PENDING MATTERS 15.ANNOUNCEMENTS 16. PUBLIC FORUM 17.RECESS OR ADJOURNMENT 2 of 2 TOWN COUNCIL ATTENDANCE MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2019 YES NO PRESENT ANTHONY PALOMBA X VINCENTJ. PICCIRILLI, JR. X KENNETH M. WOODLAND X CAROLINE BAYS X ANTHONY J. DONATO X SUSAN G. FALKOFF X LISA J. FELTNER X ANGELINE B. KOUNELIS X MARK S. SIDERIS, X COUNCIL PRESIDENT TOWN COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2019 YES NO PRESENT VINCENTJ. PICCIRILLI X KENNETH M. WOODLAND X CAROLINE BAYS X ANTHONY J. DONATO X SUSAN G. FALKOFF X LISA J. FELTNER X ANGELINE B. KOUNELIS X ANTHONY PALOMBA X MARK S. SIDERIS, X COUNCIL PRESIDENT MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TOWN COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2019 YES NO PRESENT SUSAN G. FALKOFF X LISA J. FELTNER X ANGELINE B. KOUNELIS X ANTHONY PALOMBA X VINCENTJ. PICCIRILLI, JR. X KENNETH M. WOODLAND X CAROLINE BAYS X ANTHONY J. DONATO X MARK S. SIDERIS, X COUNCIL PRESIDENT MOTION FOR THE TOWN COUNCIL ADOPT CHAPTER 64 N SECTION 3 FOR A 3% MARIJUANA SALES TAX -''1630 Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 °SON co Phone: 617-972-6470 I ORDER#91 2019-O- 91 AN ORDER ACCEPTING THE PROVISIONS OF GENERAL LAWS CHAPTER 64N, SECTION 3 ALLOWING FOR IMPOSITION OF A SALES TAX UPON MARIJUANA RETAILERS. WHEREAS, the operation of adult use marijuana establishments has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and WHEREAS,the General Court has provided for the imposition of a local sales tax upon marijuana retailers; and WHEREAS, imposition of such local sales tax is subject to statutory acceptance by vote of the Town CounUl as the Town's legislative body. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED by the Town Council of the City Known as the Town of Watertown that the provisions of General Laws Chapter 64N, Section 3, as most recently amended by Section 13 of Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017, are hereby accepted for the purpose of imposing a local sales tax upon the sale or transfer of marijuana or marijuana products by a marijuana retailer operating within the Town of Watertown to anyone other than a marijuana establishment at a rate of three per cent(3%)of the total sales price received by the marijuana retailer as consideration for the sale of marijuana or marijuana products; AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that this acceptance of General Laws Chapter 64N, Section 3 shall take effect in the Town on the first day of the calendar quarter following 30 days after this vote of acceptance. I i I ouncil Member I hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the Town Council for which a quorum was present,the above Order was adopted by a vote of for, 6 against and G present on November 26,2019. r 14 , /1 11 Marily . Pronovost, Council Clerk Mark S. Sideris, Council President I TOWN COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2019 YES NO PRESENT LISA J. FELTNER X ANGELINE B. KOUNELIS X ANTHONY PALOMBA X VINCENTJ. PICCIRILLI, JR. X KENNETH M. WOODLAND X CAROLINE BAYS X ANTHONY J. DONATO X SUSAN G. FALKOFF X MARK S. SIDERIS, X COUNCIL PRESIDENT MOTION TO ADOPT THE 175% COMMERCIAL TAX SHIFT Watertown Town Council r' Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown,MA 02472 ELECTED OFFICIALS: Phone: 617-972-6470 I Mark S.Sideris, Council President Vincent J Piccirilli,Jr., Vice President ORDER# 92 2019—O -92 Caroline Bays, Councilor At Large Anthony Donato, AN ORDER ALLOCATING THE PROPERTY TAX LEVY AMONG OR Councilor At Large BETWEEN PROPERTY CLASSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020. Susan G.Falkoff, Councilor At Large BE IT ORDAINED: That for Fiscal Year 2019 for the purposes of Section 1A of the Anthony Palomba General Laws, Chapter 58,the Watertown Board of Assessors, in allocating the tax levy Councilor At Large shall: r Angeline B.Kounelis, District A Councilor 1. Adopt a factor of 175% of the flat tax rate on the portion of the total tax levy Lisa J.Feltner, imposed on the value of the Industrial, Commercial and Personal Property classes. District B Councilor Kenneth M.Woodland, 2. Adopt a,00/o Residential Exemption. District D Councilor Cou cil Member I hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the nine member Town Council for which a quorum was present,the above Order was adopted by a vote of_y for () against and Of present on November 26, 2019. � II 1 Maril . Pronovdst, Council Clerk Mark S. Sideris, Council President TOWN COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2019 YES NO PRESENT ANGELINE B. KOUNELIS X ANTHONY PALOMBA X VINCENTJ PICCIRILLI, JR. X KENNETH M. WOODLAND X CAROLINE BAYS X ANTHONY J. DONATO X SUSAN G. FALKOFF X LISA J. FELTNER X MARK S. SIDERIS, X COUNCIL PRESIDENT MOTION TO ADOPT THE 24% RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION Watertown Town Council r' Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown,MA 02472 ELECTED OFFICIALS: Phone: 617-972-6470 I Mark S.Sideris, Council President Vincent J Piccirilli,Jr., Vice President ORDER# 92 2019—O -92 Caroline Bays, Councilor At Large Anthony Donato, AN ORDER ALLOCATING THE PROPERTY TAX LEVY AMONG OR Councilor At Large BETWEEN PROPERTY CLASSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020. Susan G.Falkoff, Councilor At Large BE IT ORDAINED: That for Fiscal Year 2019 for the purposes of Section 1A of the Anthony Palomba General Laws, Chapter 58,the Watertown Board of Assessors, in allocating the tax levy Councilor At Large shall: r Angeline B.Kounelis, District A Councilor 1. Adopt a factor of 175% of the flat tax rate on the portion of the total tax levy Lisa J.Feltner, imposed on the value of the Industrial, Commercial and Personal Property classes. District B Councilor Kenneth M.Woodland, 2. Adopt a,00/o Residential Exemption. District D Councilor Cou cil Member I hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the nine member Town Council for which a quorum was present,the above Order was adopted by a vote of_y for () against and Of present on November 26, 2019. � II 1 Maril . Pronovdst, Council Clerk Mark S. Sideris, Council President TOWN COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2019 YES NO PRESENT ANTHONY PALOMBA X VINCENTJ. PICCIRILLI, JR. X KENNETH M. WOODLAND X CAROLINE BAYS X ANTHONY J. DONATO X SUSAN G. FALKOFF X LISA J. FELTNER X ANGELINE B. KOUNELIS RECUSED MARK S. SIDERIS, X COUNCIL PRESIDENT MOTION TO ADOPT THE NOTED EXEMPTIONS UP TO 100% OF THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE INCREASE ABOVE THE STATUTORY LIMIT COUNCILOR KOUNELIS RECUSED HERSELF FROM THIS DISCUSSION. Watertown Town Council Administration Building PACE�NO�S 149 Main Street Watertown,MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6470 ELECTED OFFICIALS: Mark S.Sideris, ORDER#93 2019—O - 93 Council President Vincent J Piccirilli,Jr., Vice President AN ORDER ACCEPTING THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 73, OF THE ACTS Michael F.Dattoli, OF 1986,AS AMENDED BY CHAPTER 126 OF THE ACTS OF 1988,AND Councilor At Large SETTING THE ADDITIONAL TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 Aaron P.Dushku, Councilor At Large NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED: By the Town Council of the City known as the Susan G.Falkoff, Town of Watertown that the Town of Watertown hereby accepts the provisions of Chapter Councilor At Large 73,of the Acts of 1986,as amended by Chapter 126 of the Acts of 1988 for Fiscal Year 2020 Anthony Palomba for all those property owners in Watertown who are otherwise eligible for exemptions under Councilor At Large Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59, Section 5, Clauses 17D, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, Angeline B.Kounelis, 22E, 37A, and 41 C, shall also be eligible for an additional one hundred percent (100%) of District A Councilor the exemption amounts under the clauses of Section 5 enumerated above for which such owner would otherwise be eligible. Lisa J.Feltner, District B Councilor AND Kenneth M.Woodland, District D Councilor ACCEPTING THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 184,SECTION 51 OF THE ACTS OF 2002 (AMENDING G.L. CH. 59 SEC. 5 CLAUSE 41C) NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED: By the Town Council of the City known as the Town of Watertown that the Town of Watertown hereby accepts the provisions of Chapter 184, Section 51 of the Acts of 2002 for all those property owners in Watertown who are otherwise eligible for exemption under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41 C, and increasing the income and asset requirements by the maximum allowed under Chapter 184, Section 51 of the Acts of 2002. I ou cil Member I hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the nine member Town Council for which a quorum was present,the above Order was adopted by a vote of for Q against and d present on November 26, 2019. Marily . Prono ost, Council Clerk Mark S. Sideris, Council President Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 ELECTED OFFICIALS: Phone: 617-972-6470 i Mark S.Sideris, Council President RESOLUTION#94 2019—R—94 Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr., Vice President& RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ACCEPTANCE AND District C Councilor EXPENDITURE OF GIFT OF TANGIBLE PROPERTY Caroline Bays Councilor At Large Anthony Donato, WHEREAS: From time to time, this community is the beneficiary of a gift Councilor At Large donated towards improving the quality and spirit of its inhabitants lives; and Susan G.Falkoff, Councilor At Large WHEREAS: Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44, Section 53A1/2 - authorizes municipalities to accept gifts of personal property; and Anthony Palomba, Councilor At Large WHEREAS: Tufts Health Plan will donate used fitness equipment for use at the Angeline B.Kounelis, Fire Department; District A Councilor Lisa J.Feltner, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town Council of the City District B Councilor known as the Town of Watertown, hereby accepts, pursuant to Massachusetts KennethM.Woodland, General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53A1/2, a gift of used fitness equipment from District D Councilor Tufts Health Plan. ' Council Member i I hereby certify that at a Meeting of the Town Council for which a quorum was present, the above Resolution was adopted by a vote of /1" for, 0_ against, present on November 26,2019 Maril W. Pronovost, Council Clerk Mark S. Sideris, Council President I Watertown's FY2021 Budget Policy Guidelines As Approved and Ranked by the Town Council November 26, 2019 The Town Council is adopting these budget policy guidelines pursuant to Section 5-1 of the Watertown Home Rule Charter. Based on these guidelines, the Town Manager will develop budgetary goals and the Town budget for Fiscal Year 2021. Watertown's Ongoing Budget Policy Guidelines Resolution 2012- 72,Amending Watertown's Ongoing Budget Policy Guidelines Resolution 2017-84 and Watertown's Ongoing Capital Project Budget Guidelines Resolution 2013-76 are hereby incorporated by reference. I. COST-SAVINGS/REVENUES Note: The items in this section were ranked in order of priority by the Town Council on December 3 The Town Council believes that identification of cost savings and/or new revenues should be a precondition to additional expenditures. To this end, in developing the FY21 budget, the Town Manager should: A. Continue to proceed with the guidelines of the Strategic Framework for Economic Development, with the long-term goal to promote a diversified and growing tax base. B. Continue pursuing mitigation monies and/or other measures for larger scale projects. C. Consider filing additional applications to all applicable federal and Commonwealth programs and grants, including, but not limited to, the Commonwealth's Community Compact program, the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, the Green Communities program, the Housing Choice program and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant. D. Actively seek Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) agreements with each non-profit organization owning or purchasing property in Watertown.* E. Upgrade the Town's parking payment technology and adjust parking meter rates as outlined in the Watertown Parking Management Plan to offset costs as allowed under General Law Chapter 40 Section 22c.* *Items D & E were equally ranked. Page 1 of 3 Watertown's FY2021 Budget Policy Guidelines as Approved and Ranked II. PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS/EXPENDITURES Note: The items in this section were ranked in order of priority by the Town Council on December 3 To the extent that resources allow, in light of the financial policies stated above, and adhering to the principle of first identifying cost-savings and/or new revenue, the following program enhancements and, if necessary, new expenditures should receive priority in the FY21 budget. Education program enhancements and expenditures should be considered subsequently in light of the recommendations of the School Committee. A. Enhance the capabilities of the Town Manager's office with consideration given to creating a Deputy Town Manager position as previously recommended in the Division of Local Services' Financial Management Review,with responsibilities to include managing communication content and enhancing public engagement, and other duties as assigned. B. Continue support for Building for the Future Initiative funding in collaboration with the School Building Committee, for the Three Elementary Schools project, and for the MSBA High School project with proposed debt exclusion funding in conjunction with outreach efforts to the community by the School Committee. C. Improve the operational efficiency, flexibility, and capacity of the Public Works Department to meet the Town's growing needs to manage contractors, respond to work order requests, oversee development projects,plan and implement infrastructure improvements, improve communications to residents about road construction, comply with the MassDEP 2030 Solid Waste Management Plan, and maintain complete streets infrastructure. Consider what technology platforms are needed to support the Department. D. Consider the recommendations of the Town-wide Information Technology Assessment to review the acquisition, distribution, and management of IT resources, including staffing levels and positions required to support the Town's IT environment, improve the functionality of the Town's website, and improve communications with residents. E. Continue to work collaboratively with the Watertown Public Schools to develop a comprehensive multi-year educational budget that assures sustainable funding for our schools and the successful education of our children. Seek to accommodate the Manager's forecast 5% school operating budget increase for FY21, subject to preparation of budget requests by the School Committee, and subject to the validation of revenue and expenditure assumptions in the October 8, 2019 Preliminary Budget Overview. Conduct further review to examine the sustainability of 5% increases in FY22 and beyond. F. Continue to work with the Watertown Transportation Management Association to identify sustainable sources of funding, including tax revenue if needed, for the pilot shuttle bus program. G. Move forward with funding to develop the Watertown Climate and Energy Master Plan. Page 2 of 3 Watertown's FY2021 Budget Policy Guidelines as Approved and Ranked H. Update the five year plan and funding schedule for the integrated improvements of the Town's streets and sidewalks, water-sewer-stormwater infrastructure, and underground utilities. The plan should show status of ongoing projects, identify future projects including those with no funding source, and include upgrade of all water meters, identify sources of stormwater and sewage outflow to the Charles River, and coordination with water-sewer-stormwater projects and underground utility projects. I. Enhance the capabilities of the Department of Community Development and Planning by adding resources and/or redeploying additional resources. J. Continue to enhance the capabilities of the Department of Public Works Forestry Department by adding resources and/or redeploying additional resources for improving Watertown's public shade trees and increasing the Town's overall tree canopy by: (1) Developing a robust data collection process for public shade trees in Watertown, and(2)Analyzing the data to determine an action plan and to seek collaboration and partnership opportunities with community groups such as Trees for Watertown. K. Based on final policy direction to be developed by the Town Council, and input from the Community Preservation Committee, develop a budgetary plan to meet the identified need for acquisition of land for open space and/or recreational use. L. Identify funding to hire a consultant to assist with the Town Charter Review. M. Based on final Town Council policy direction, develop a budgetary plan to meet the identified need for DPW staging space. N. Implement the anticipated Public Art plan and identify funding sources. O. Finalize re-use of the former north branch library, and the former police station contingent upon discussion with the school department. Page 3 of 3 Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6470 ELECTED OFFICIALS: Mark S.Sideris, Council President Resolution#2012- Stephen P.Corbett, Vice President Resolution: Watertown's Ongoing Budget Policy Guidelines John A. Donohue, Councilor At Large WHEREAS the Town Council adopts budget policy guidelines each year pursuant to Cosanunt to At Large Section 5-1 of the Watertown Horne Rule Charter, so that the Town Manager can Councilor Al Large develop budgetary goals and the Town budget for the next fiscal year, and Anthony Palomba, Councilor At Large K argelis, WHEREAS for the past several years, atmual budget policy guidelines have included Angeline B. District A Councilor three sections of ongoing budget practices, namely Section I. FINANCIAL POLICIES, Cecilia Lank, Section II. ONGOING BUDGET PRACTICES, and Section V. BUDGET AND District B Councilor FINANCIAL MONITORING, and Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr., District C Councilor WHEREAS the budget policy guidelines in these three sections have reached a point of Kenneth M.Woodland maturity whereby they have become standard operating procedure, and do not need to be District D Councilor revised each year. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the City known as the Town of Watertown hereby establishes the following budget policy guidelines as permanent policy guidance,to be followed annually: I. FINANCIAL POLICIES A. Unreserved fund balance: In order to respond to emergencies and other unanticipated needs, preserve financial flexibility, and maintain favorable bond ratings, the Town should seek to maintain an unreserved fund balance (including stabilization funds) equal to 7-10% of the annual operating budget. The Council and the Town Manager will work to develop a formal multi-year policy on the unreserved fund balance, including the use of free cash if the unreserved fund balance is above the 7-10% target. B. Capital Expenditures: In order to maintain and improve its infrastructure, facilities, and equipment,the Town should seek to make amoral capital expenditures (including debt and exclusive of enterprise funds) equal to at least 7.5-8% of the operating budget. C. Pension Liability and Other Post Employment Benefits: In order to achieve long term financial stability, meet the Town's obligations to its employees and retirees, and maintain favorable bond ratings, the Council,the Retirement Board and Town Manager will work to address the Town's unfunded pension liability and other post-employment benefits (OPEB). As was done with the unfunded Pension Liability, create a long-range financial plan for addressing the unfunded OPEB liabilities, including the converting the OPEB stabilization fund to an OPEB Trust Fund. Continue dialog with Retirement Board and State representatives to consider options for pension reforms for new hires. II. ONGOING BUDGET PRACTICES A. Continue the Town's efforts within all departments to obtain grant funding from federal, state, and other sources, including the use college interns. B. Continue to analyze the Town's charges for licenses,permits, penalties, and fees to determine whether they should be increased or new ones instituted,while adhering to the principal that fees should not exceed the cost of services provided. C. Review the possibilities and cost implications of contracted services vs. staffing in various departments. D. Support the possibilities of providing more services on a regional or inter- municipal basis in accordance with the council resolution. E. All department heads should seek to identify line items within their existing budgets where costs can be controlled and not increased. Look at other possible scenarios including spending freezes, level dollar and reduction budgets. Review the use of overtime in each department and monitor consistent Town-wide practices and related utilization. F. Continue to enhance the Town's website and use other technologies as cost effective means of delivering information and services, increasing public awareness, and encouraging public feedback. G. Explore cost savings by sharing personnel across Town departments. Work towards merging or combining the following fimctions to better serve both Town and School Departments: facilities management,human resources, finance, and information technology. H. Meet annually in Executive Session(s)to discuss strategies on pending collective bargaining agreements and the potential impact on upcoming and future budgets. _ III. BUDGET AND FINANCIAL MONITORING A. In order to improve its ability to monitor the implementation of the Town budget, the Town Council will receive quarterly reports on the revenues and expenditures during the fiscal year. B. The Town Council will receive a report on the use and balance of monies in the Council reserve upon each transfer, and a report each month when there is a change in Town Councilors'expense line items. C. An early-warning system will be used to alert the Town Council if revenues fall below projections. D. The Town Council will receive quarterly updates on progress in addressing the recommendations in the annual audit report. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be incorporated by reference into the annual budget licy guidelines that are ado ted each year. ounc' ember I hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the Town Council for which a quorum was present,the above Resolution was adopted by a vote of 9 for,0against and b present on Dece er 1,2012. Val apas Mark S. Sideris Council Clerk Council President �'1630e Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street CE,t°"°``F Watertown, MA 02472 ELECTED Phone: 617.972,6470 OFFICIALS: Resolution 9 84 2017- R- 84 Mark S.Sideris, Council President RESOLUTION: AMENDING WATERTOWN'S ONGOING BUDGET POLICY Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr., J Vice President GUIDELINES Michael F.Dattoli, WHEREAS the Town Council adopted Resolution 2012-72 Watertown's Ongoing � Councilor At Large I, Budget Policy Guidelines,to establish permanent financial policy guidance, and Aaron P.Dushku, Councilor At Large WHEREAS since 2014 the Town Council and the School Committee have been working Susan G.Falkoff, on a plan for the renovation or reconstruction of Watertown's school buildings, including Councilor At Large submitting Statements of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, and Anthony Palomba, Councilor At Large WHEREAS at the Fiscal Year 2019 Preliminary Budget Overview presented on October 10,2017,it was proposed to self-fund a project to renovate or reconstruct three elementary Angeline B.Kounelis, schools entirely within the operating budget, with funds redirected from the retirement District A Councilor appropriation when the pension is fully funded, while also paying down the OPEB Lisa J.Feltner, liability, and District B Councilor Kenneth M.Woodland, WHEREAS the value of the debt service required for such school capital expenditures District D Councilor would exceed 8% of the operating budget as stipulated in Resolution 2012-72, and WHEREAS the Town of Watertown wants a "strong" position for its financial management policies to get the most favorable rates when going to the bond market for such capital expenditures. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the City known as the Town of Watertown hereby amends Resolution 2012-72 Watertown's Ongoing Budget Policy Guidelines, with existing guidelines I.A and I.B to be deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following language: I. A. Unreserved fund balance: In order to respond to emergencies and other unanticipated needs, preserve financial flexibility, and maintain favorable bond ratings, the Town should seek to maintain an unreserved fund balance (including stabilization funds) equal to 8-15% of the annual operating budget. The Council and the Town Manager will work to develop a formal multi-year policy on the unreserved fund balance, including the use of free cash, if the unreserved fund balance is above the 8-15%target. I. B. Capital Expenditures: In order to maintain and improve its infrastructure, facilities, and equipment, the Town should seek to make annual capital expenditures (including debt and exclusive of the school Building for the Future Initiative funding and enterprise funds) equal to at least 7.5-8% of the operating budget. Page 1 of 2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be incorporated by reference into the annual budget policy guidelines that are adopted each year. i Council Member I herebycertify that at a regular meeting of the Town Council for which a quorum was the above Y g q present, Resolution was adopted by a vote of 61 for,Q against, and 0 present on November 28, 2017. Marily . Pronovost, Council Clerk Mark S. Sideris, Council President Page 2 of 2 lzUT'� ' Watertown Town Council a' $ Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6470 ELECTED OFFICIALS: Resolution#2013- Mark S.Sideris, Council President Stephen P.Corbett, Resolution: Watertown's Ongoing Capital Project Budget Guidelines Vice President WHEREAS the Town Council adopts budget policy guidelines each year pursuant to John A.Donohue,Councilor At Large Section 5-1 of the Watertown Home Rule Charter, so that the Town Manager can Susan G.Falkoff, develop budgetary goals and the.Town budget for the next fiscal year, and - . Councilor At Large WHEREAS in the Fiscal Year 2014 budget policy guidelines, Attachment A Councilorr A At Anthony a, "ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON CAPITAL PROJECTS"was included to t Large Angeline B.Kounelis, use the Town's capital project funds in the most efficient maimer, and to improve the District A Councilor efficiency and transparency of the Capital Improvement Program(CIP)process, and Cecilia Lank, District B Councilor WHEREAS these recommendations have become standard operating procedure for the Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr., Town of Watertown, and do not need to be revised each year. District C Councilor Kenneth M.Woodland NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the City known as District D Councilor the Town of Watertown hereby establishes the following recommendations on capital projects as permanent budget policy guidance,to be followed annually: 1. Status of existine capital funds and Droiects: As part of the January CIP submission by the Town Manager,include from each department, a listing of all existing unspent capital funds (including Chapter 90, developer mitigation, grant funds, etc.) and a status on each project or acquisition, including how and when remaining funds will be spent, effective November 301h. a. Include project funds appropriated by the Town Council to the School Department. b. Include Water/Sewer Enterprise Fund reporting of capital projects &funds as a new section of the CIP separate from the General Fund. 2. Details on new Droiects: As part of the January CIP submission by the Town Manager, provide details for all items in the CIP that have been previously shown as annual lump sums in a single line. a. Include the School Department's"various school improvements". b. Include"highway reconstruction"and "sidewalk reconstruction", with a forecast of streets to be done each year. c. Include Water/Sewer Enterprise Fund capital projects as a new section of the CIP separate from the General Fund,with a forecast of streets to be done each year. d. Include transportation or water/sewer and stormwater projects which have or will be proposed in the future,with no funding source yet identified. 3. Coordination Issues Related to Public Works moiects: The increasing volume and complexity of public works projects requires a rethinking of how the Town does its planning to maximize the use of capital funds and departmental resources, as well as providing information to the public in a timely,readily accessible fashion. a. To this end,the CIP needs to have a five-year forecast of what water/sewer/stormwater, road reconstruction, and sidewalk reconstruction are planned, by specific street,which will: L Insure that work is sequenced to obtain the maximum life from road and sidewalk reconstruction without major water/sewer work compromising their integrity. ii. Allow utility companies adequate time to plan underground service replacements prior to road and sidewalk reconstruction, to avoid compromising their integrity. iii. Allow time for the Zoning Enforcement Office to notify property owners of non- conforming driveways, while giving the owners adequate time to seek a variance. iv. Allow developers time to plan their projects in coordination with the Town, and avoid digging up newly installed roads and sidewalks. v. Allow abutting homeowners,who may want to pay for granite curbs on streets scheduled for asphalt curbs,time to arrange contracting and payment. vi. Allow time for the Tree Warden to notify abutters who may want a street tree in front of their property, to allow for the placement of a tree pit prior to the installation of a new sidewalk. vii. Provide more transparency to citizens on public works projects and spending. viii. Allow the Public Works Committee or other appropriate committee adequate time to review the proposed work and provide policy guidance on the above as it relates to Watertown's goals. b. Issues of coordination and timing need to be improved to insure the most efficient use of funds, and bonding of annual street construction projects should be coordinated with bidding such.that contractors can begin by April and be completed by November. c. The Public Works Department should address, on an ongoing basis: L Assure adequate supervisory capacity to eliminate decision bottlenecks and improve timeliness of responses for construction work. ii. Notification to the public of what construction is happening and where and when it will occur must be improved, and should be available on the website and updated regularly. iii. Improve completion of punch list items on projects needs to be improved, including painting of roadway markings, installation of traffic signs,removal of temporary construction signs, cleanup of construction debris, etc. 4. Protection of investments: With millions of dollars being spent each year in Watertown on street and sidewalk construction, the administration should take a more aggressive role to protect the value of these investments to insure that maximum life is obtained from the new surfaces. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be incorporated by reference into the annual budget policy uidclines that are adopted each year. .1_ Council Mern er I hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the Town Council for which a quorum was present,the above Resolution was adopted by unanimous voice vote on December 9, 2013. Valerie Papas, Council Clerk Mark S. Sideris,Council President TOWN COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2019 YES NO PRESENT VINCENTJ. PICCIRILLI X KENNETH M. WOODLAND X CAROLINE BAYS X ANTHONY J. DONATO X SUSAN G. FALKOFF X LISA J. FELTNER X ANGELINE B. KOUNELIS X ANTHONY PALOMBA X MARK S. SIDERIS, X COUNCIL PRESIDENT MOTION TO REFER TO THE HUMAN SERVICES AND RULES AND ORDINANCES COMMITTEES THE EXPANSION OF THE CONSIDERATION OF THE NOISE ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE LEAF BLOWERS FY2021 Budget Policy Guidelines, Ranked By Priority December 3, 2019 � o n c U) O - N O O N E i Q OU N O E I. COST-SAVINGS/REVENUES coo U_ U_ Y a- a- � j I.A. Continue to proceed with the guidelines of the Strategic Framework for Economic Development,with the long-term goal to promote a diversified and growing tax base. 1 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 1.4 I. B. Continue pursuing mitigation monies and/or other measures for larger scale projects. 2 2 1 2 3 2 2 4 2 2.2 I. C. Consider filing additional applications to all applicable federal and Commonwealth programs and grants,including,but not limited to,the Commonwealth's Community Compact program,the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program,the Green Communities program,the Housing Choice program and the Community Oriented Policing Services(COPS)grant. 4 3 1 3 2 3 3 5 3 3.0 I. D.Actively seek Payment In Lieu Of Taxes(PILOT)agreements with each non- profit organization owning or purchasing property in Watertown. 3 4 3 5 4 4 4 3 4 3.8 I. E.Upgrade the Town's parking payment technology and adjust parking meter rates as outlined in the Watertown Parking Management Plan to offset costs as allowed under General Law Chapter 40 Section 22c. 5 5 2 4 5 1 5 2 5 3.8 � m U) o _ T o Q c Y S o m o E 75 II. PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS/EXPENDITURES m o ,`L° ,°L' Y c0 Il.J.Enhance the capabilities of the Town Manager's office with consideration given to creating a Deputy Town Manager position as previously recommended in the Division of Local Services' Financial Management Review,with responsibilities to include managing communication content and enhancing public engagement,and other duties as assigned. 1 6 3 3 7 1 1 1 12 3.9 II.A. Continue support for Building for the Future Initiative funding in collaboration with the School Building Committee,for the Three Elementary Schools project,and for the MSBA High School project with proposed debt exclusion funding in conjunction with outreach efforts to the community by the School Committee. 10 1 9 1 1 15 7 2 1 5.2 II.H. Improve the operational efficiency, flexibility,and capacity of the Public Works Department to meet the Town's growing needs to manage contractors, respond to work order requests, oversee development projects,plan and implement infrastructure improvements,improve communications to residents about road construction,comply with the MassDEP 2030 Solid Waste Management Plan,and maintain complete streets infrastructure. Consider what technology platforms are needed to support the Department. 4 8 5 7 5 6 2 4 7 5.3 II. G. Consider the recommendations of the Town-wide Information Technology Assessment to review the acquisition, distribution,and management of IT resources,including staffing levels and positions required to support the Town's IT environment,improve the functionality of the Town's website, and improve communications with residents. 2 9 1 6 8 3 4 5 13 5.7 Page 1 of 2 FY2021 Budget Policy Guidelines, Ranked By Priority December 3,2019 II. C. Continue to work collaboratively with the Watertown Public Schools to develop a comprehensive multi-year educational budget that assures sustainable funding for our schools and the successful education of our children. Seek to accommodate the Manager's forecast 5%school operating budget increase for FY21, subject to preparation of budget requests by the School Committee,and subject to the validation of revenue and expenditure assumptions in the October 8, 2019 Preliminary Budget Overview. Conduct further review to examine the sustainability of 5%increases in FY22 and beyond. 11 2 9 2 2 13 9 3 2 5.9 II.E. Continue to work with the Watertown Transportation Management Association to identify sustainable sources of funding,including tax revenue if needed, for the pilot shuttle bus program. 7 4 9 12 4 2 6 7 3 6.0 II.N. Move forward with funding to develop the Watertown Climate and Energy Master Plan. 6 14 4 5 12 4 5 9 5 7.1 IL B.Update the five year plan and funding schedule for the integrated improvements of the Town's streets and sidewalks,water-sewer-stormwater infrastructure,and underground utilities. The plan should show status of ongoing projects,identify future projects including those with no funding source,and include upgrade of all water meters,identify sources of stormwater and sewage outflow to the Charles River,and coordination with water-sewer-stormwater projects and underground utility projects. 8 3 8 8 3 12 8 12 4 7.3 IL K. Enhance the capabilities of the Department of Community Development and Planning by adding resources and/or redeploying additional resources. 5 7 2 9 10 8 13 14 6 8.2 II.D. Continue to enhance the capabilities of the Department of Public Works Forestry Department by adding resources and/or redeploying additional resources for improving Watertown's public shade trees and increasing the Town's overall tree canopy by: (1)Developing a robust data collection process for public shade trees in Watertown, and(2)Analyzing the data to determine an action plan and to seek collaboration and partnership opportunities with community groups such as Trees for Watertown. 3 10 9 11 13 10 11 6 10 9.2 II.I.Based on final policy direction to be developed by the Town Council,and input from the Community Preservation Committee,develop a budgetary plan to meet the identified need for acquisition of land for open space and/or recreational use. 12 5 9 10 14 5 10 11 9 9.4 II. O. Identify funding to hire a consultant to assist with the Town Charter Review 15 12 n/a 4 9 11 3 8 15 9.6 II.F.Based on final Town Council policy direction,develop a budgetary plan to meet the identified need for DPW staging space. 14 11 6 14 6 9 12 10 8 10.0 II.M.Implement the anticipated Public Art plan and identify funding sources. 9 13 7 15 15 7 14 13 14 11.9 II.L. Finalize re-use of the former north branch library,and the former police station contingent upon discussion with the school department. 13 15 9 13 11 14 15 15 11 12.9 Page 2 of 2