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City Council Minutes 12-21-2020City of Beverly City Council Regular Meeting Public Meeting Minutes Monday, December 21, 2020, 7pm This meeting was conducted under the `Executive Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c.30A, §20', signed on March 12, 2020. This remote meeting was held over Google Meet and live streamed by BevCam. Public access information for the hearings was provided on the meeting agenda. Paul Guanci, City Council President, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm over Google Meet. City Clerk, Lisa Kent, took the attendance by roll call. Members Present: Stacy Ames, Kathleen Feldman, Timothy Flaherty, Julie Flowers John Frates, Scott Houseman, Estelle Rand, Todd Rotondo, Paul Guanci Members Absent: None Houseman and Rand led the councilors in the pledge of allegiance. Resolution Order # 282 - Council President Guanci -Mr. Robert Davis Ames moved to approve. Flowers seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (9 -0). Guanci made a statement about the meeting being recorded by the City of Beverly and streamed by BevCam on channel 99 and BevCam's YouTube channel. He confirmed that all members present could hear him and noted the remote meeting format and process due to Covid -19. Guanci read Rule 22 of the Beverly City Council. He introduced a vote to allow items to be taken out of committee and voted on the floor. Kent took a roll call vote and the motion carried (9 -0). Guanci read the guidelines for public hearings. Acceptance of Minutes of Previous Meetings: December 7, 2020 Rand moved to approve. Rotondo seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (9 -0). Public Hearin 7:15PM —Order 9276 - Mayor- Proposed Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021 Cahill spoke on the item stating that this was dependent on the state budget being completed. Ayles presented a summary of the appropriations. Rotondo asked if the tax rate was lowered by 1% what that would look like to the average taxpayer. Ayles shared a spreadsheet but cautioned that it is a much broader conversation because there are implications beyond the here and now. He noted if there was a half a million dollar reduction in the spending levels, and there was a reduction to the tax increase, it would be roughly a $167 increase vs $192 increase for a house in Ryal Side. Flaherty said he would want to err on the side of caution because there are some real costs and concerns for the City, but it is an uncertain future. He stated that he spoke to the mayor about furloughs because the City hasn't laid anyone off since March and a lot of businesses are closing or doing furloughs. People are working from home and some people aren't working forty hours. He stated he worries about the City's future in the next few years. Guanci asked if Fire Chief Peter O'Connor wanted to speak to their department's need for the expenditure. O'Connor stated they are looking to replace an engine. The pump would help in North Beverly and at the Beverly Airport. Rand stated this appropriation reflects the plan laid out in the capital expenditure plan. The FY21 budget was really responsible in terms of anticipating a major cut from the state, and this is a reflection of level funding from the state which was received. She asked if there was the possibility of airport funding to help support the pump. Ayles said they are researching it, and if that was available that would return some of the funds back to the general fund. Rand asked Mr. Perry what the target range for the free cash at the end of each budget cycle is. Perry stated that the financial policies try to get 3 -8% of the general fund targeted for free cash. The free cash this year, though not certified yet, may be more inflated because the administration froze a lot of spending back in March and a lot of money was turned back. Rand stated she doesn't think there's fat in the City to be cut, but we can consider more seriously year after year why we're going to the max. Houseman stated they just finished the financial forecasting report and thinking about points that councilors are raising, the issue is that we're always trying to figure out how to provide the services we want, the services residents are looking for, and at the same time not always go to the max of the tax levy. We have known for a while that next year is going to be particularly difficult. He asked what the challenges we're facing are and how the appropriation on the table would help meet or reduce the budget deficit. Ayles noted some of the major components going into FY22. Typically, we expect our pension obligation to go up by roughly half a million dollars a year. The ones that spike up have to do with our debt. We still have the final borrowing for the middle school. That coupled with the debt for the police station increases the debt obligation year over year. There are the typical salary related increases which are contractual. The big unforeseen at this point has to do with the sanitation contract because the current one is expiring and will be renegotiated. Market rates have increased and recycling has changed drastically. Perry noted that one strategy is looking at recurring versus one -time expenditures. Every time we have a one -time expenditure that will help reduce next year's deficit challenge. It is his view that if this is passed as is, it will drop down the projected deficit for next year. Beverly City Council Meeting Allinutes — December 21, 2020, page 2 of 8 Ames said the finance of the City are in very good shape. There are a few items where the budget falls short. She would like to have accountability so that people out there understand the direct results of the funds as they are spent. The first question is the cost it will take to finish up Cabot Street - the dollars, and where that will be coming from. The second is, in a small group setting, they were talking about $200,000 for the Police Department, including a cruiser, another leadership position, and two patrolmen. Given what 2020 has brought to us, we need to bolster the Community Impact Unit. It's those officers that create the ties between the Police Department and the people out in the community. She stated she would like the administration to commit to extend the grant for the social worker through Lahey. She stated she is loath to support more dollars for the Police Department when they have not seen a report on the police policies and procedures that was promised months ago. She stated that she would like a promise from the mayor and chief that they could see, before February 15, a complete report. She suggested the health, planning, and engineering departments update their pest control policy because between construction, COVID, and abandoned properties, there have been rat /roach inundated neighborhoods putting people's health in peril when they are trying to be home. Tonight is the night where this council has power, and it's the power of the purse. Cahill stated in terms of request for funding that would be utilized for another position in the department between now and the end of the year and another vehicle. Conversations are ongoing between Chief LeLachuer and Mr. Ayles and himself about how to best manage that type of resource. Whether or not another additional officer goes into the Community Impact Unit will be a management decision by the chief. Certainly the two community impact officers do fantastic work; at the same time, that's not the only structure that can be utilized to do community policing, so we'll have to see how that may be structured. Cahill noted the staffing changes that will come with the new police station and the goal until then of not having to resort to overtime. The social worker through Lahey does important work in partnership with officers, and they certainly want to make sure that resource is available to the department and residents. The Police Department use of force policy has been worked on and is ready to share. It has been held onto because the police reform bill at the state level has been pending which may change or reinforce items, but the policy should be put out publicly in the next couple of business days, with or without the state's legislation. Ames said they can agree to disagree on the community impact officers. She asked about the cost for Cabot Street and rats. Cahill said Cabot Street is at the $1.2, $1.3 million range. They are just about ready to finish the project, but they went to the business owners in the fall and didn't want to close the outdoor dining to make sure that everybody gets through this pandemic. On issues of infestation in a home, those are oftentimes private homes and issues that it's hard for the City to get involved with. There was an issue earlier this year where they were able to take some strong steps in two neighborhoods, and they had to look to the Health Department to cover some costs. We try to be very careful about the City going in and doing things on private property. These were unique enough circumstances that it made sense. Ames stated she believes if there is a construction project, even privately, or where we're digging up roads, we need to be more proactive as a city to track and remediate before it gets out of control. We can be more proactive and do better. She asked for clarification that the Cabot Street project was already in the budget. Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes — December 21, 2020, page 3 of 8 Cahill said it is in the FY21 budget, plus a grant from the state for the Complete Streets program. Dr. Suzanne Charochak, school superintendent, presented on the school portion of the appropriations. She noted the changes in remote learning, physical classrooms, and transportation due to the pandemic. They utilized some relief funds that were offered to school districts, but some of those funding sources end on December 31 st. They received CARES Act funding and used it for personal protective equipment (PPE), additional technology needs, instructional software, and modifications to facilities. A second source of funding was the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CvRF), which was used for staffing increases, storage trailers, buses, and supplies for outdoor learning. A third source of funding was the ESSER grant, which is available for two years, with expenditures needing to be approved by DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education). The purpose of this funding is really to address the unique needs of more vulnerable student groups. Now that the state budget has been finalized, the school budget has been revised to reflect the variety of funding needs the schools have faced this past year. It will take all of us working together to continue to provide a high quality education for our students in Beverly. Feldman asked about negotiations with the unions and if there is a ballpark number in terms of the expense. Charochak said they are in negotiations so she can't speak to the specifics but she could share that for all units they use round figures to judge what a one percent increase to salaries would be and what a two percent increase to salaries would be. It's about $460,000 to cover all the employees /units for a one percent increase. Guanci opened the time for public comment. Rachel Abell of 19 Echo Ave spoke as parent and resident. She highlighted the hard working staff and educators for making school happen this year. The staff is really bridging more than ever before to support young learners and going above and beyond to address not only educational but also social and emotional needs of students. Abell requested that the money be appropriated in its entirety tonight. Guanci closed the public hearing. Rotondo moved to approve. Houseman seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (9 -0). Communications from His Honor the Mayor Order # 278 -A Memorandum regarding the scope of work funded by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council's Accelerating Climate Resiliency Grant Cahill noted this is an update on the tree planting grant project that was approved at the last meeting (Order #257). Rotondo moved to receive and place on file. Flowers seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (9 -0). Beverly City Council Meeting Ntinutes — December 21, 2020, page 4 of 8 Order # 279 -Plan- Beverly -A Comprehensive Master Plan for the City of Beverly Flaherty stated it would be good for the Council to discuss the item and vote on it. Guanci asked Darlene Wynne, Director of Planning, if this could be continued to the meeting in January or if it was time sensitive. Wynne noted that state law requires adoption by the Planning Board, but it would be important to have the Council's support. It can be continued to January. Cahill agreed with Councilor Flaherty that it's important to discuss it. The Planning Board has approved the master plan, but it would be good to have everyone review. Guanci asked Ms. Kent to hold the item until the January 4 City Council meeting. Order # 280 - Appointment - Constable -Mr. Christian Rivera, 9 Williams Street, Roxbury Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs. Communications, from other City Officers and Boards Order #281 - Councilor Rotondo and Councilor Flowers- School Finance & Facilities Report Summary 2nd quarter Houseman moved to receive and place on file. Feldman seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (9 -0). Order #283 - Budget Analyst Gerry Perry- Financial Forecast Report Houseman moved to receive and place on file. Flowers seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (9 -0). Old Business Order # 241, 241A and 241B- Proposed Amendment Chapter 26 -14 Salary & Expenses of the Council Members Flaherty suggested holding the increases for 2024. Rand asked if it was possible to split the vote and adopt 241B but not the others, so it would just require a report every 2 years. Perry noted 241 is the council increase, 24 1 A is school committee and mayor, and 24 1 B is the budget analyst report every two years, so yes they could approve just 241B. Rand said she was not comfortable with the increase in salary for councilors at this time. Flowers said she would also be inclined to support receiving regular documentation but not the increases as this time. She is not opposed to the idea, just not during the pandemic. Flaherty moved to receive and place on file all three orders. Flowers seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (9 -0). Beverly City Council Alleeting Allinutes — December 21, 2020, page 5 of 8 Order # 268- Candidates of Ward 6 Vote Candidates: Mr. Derek Beckwith Mr. Dominic Copeland Mr. Dane Poeske Mr. James Carnazza Mr. Ralph Coluntino Mr. Paul Lanzikos Mr. Medley Long III Mr. Kent Sinclair Mr. Matt St. Hillaire Guanci noted the format of the vote, which is that multiple nominations can be made, then the Council will vote on the candidates. Frates said it has been a pleasure to serve. Since he is recusing himself, he wanted to ask that whoever takes the seat gets involved with a group in the Centerville neighborhood called the Bad Fathers Club. In the last decade they have raised money for Beverly people in need. It would be good to get younger people involved in the group, because a lot of them are now just good grandfathers. Frates then left the meeting at 9:09pm. Guanci asked that at the end the Council approve the winning candidate by unanimous vote. He opened the floor to nominations. Rotondo nominated St. Hillaire. Flaherty seconded. Houseman read a statement he had prepared. He noted that he had received 183 emails of support from residents, and the top two candidates he received emails about were Copeland (75) and St. Hillaire (52). Houseman nominated Copeland. Rand seconded. Ames nominated Beckwith. Flaherty seconded. Feldman commented that she also asked for emails or letters of support. She received 184 letters or emails and some residents spoke to her personally. This is a decision that should be made by the voters of Ward 6. She stated that she hopes these candidates will pull papers in April for the next election so the voters can choose for themselves. She said she will vote based on what she heard from residents. Rotondo said he also followed the same system and talked to all the candidates. He noted that out of the residents he talked to, St. Hillaire had 79 in favor (69 in Ward 6, 10 outside of the ward), Copeland had 45 in the ward, 32 outside. He said there are really great, strong candidates going for this and hopefully the other candidates consider in April running for election. Flowers said there is not a bad choice in this mix of candidates and Ward 6 would be well served by any of them. She stated she feels the weight of this decision because each candidate brings their own unique perspective. She thanked all the candidates and encouraged them to run for office. She noted Mr. Copeland's experience and perspective as a man of color in Beverly and stated this is an opportunity to broaden the experience of the Council when it comes to the lived experience of people in Beverly. Rand said the way the charter is written, if more people ran, this would be a different process. She encouraged people to run for office because everyone has something to offer. She said she is Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes — December 21, 2020, page 6 of 8 voting with her head and heart and she is humbled and honored to be part of opening the door for Mr. Dominic Copeland. Flaherty said he looked at experience when trying to make this decision as well as the support. He noted that Matt St. Hillaire and Derek Beckwith both have more experience, but they can't go wrong with any of the candidates. A roll call vote was taken on the appointment of Matt St. Hillaire, and the motion failed with 3 in favor (Flaherty, Rotondo, Guanci) and 5 opposed (Ames, Feldman, Flowers, Houseman, Rand). A roll call vote was taken on the appointment of Dominic Copeland, and the motion failed with 4 in favor (Feldman, Flowers, Houseman, Rand) and 4 opposed (Ames, Flaherty, Rotondo, Guanci). A roll call vote was taken on the appointment of Derek Beckwith, and the motion failed with 1 in favor (Ames) and 7 opposed (Feldman, Flaherty, Flowers, Houseman, Rand, Rotondo, Guanci). Guanci stated since no candidate won a majority, the floor would be reopened to nominations. Houseman moved to renominate Dominic Copeland. Rand seconded. Rotondo moved to renominate Matt St. Hillaire. Flaherty seconded. Flaherty moved to renominate Derek Beckwith. Ames seconded. A roll call vote was taken on the appointment of Dominic Copeland, and the motion carried with 6 in favor (Ames, Feldman, Flowers, Houseman, Rand, Guanci) and 2 opposed (Flaherty, Rotondo). Houseman moved to have a vote of reconsideration for unanimous consent. Ames seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0, Frates absent). A roll call vote was taken on the appointment of Dominic Copeland, and the motion carried (8 -0, Frates absent). Copeland thanked the Council for the vote of confidence and he is looking forward to doing his part. Guanci said there are eight fellow councilors that want to see him succeed and are there to help, and he thanked all the applicants. Nomination papers are available April 1 st. Cahill thanked those who put themselves forward for this and congratulated Dominic. Reports of Committees Committee on Legal Affairs Order #262- Appointment -Mr. David Alden -St. Pierre, 179 Dodge Street, to the Conservation Commission Rand moved to approve. Rotondo seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0). Order #265- Appointment -Mr. Rodney Sinclair, 15 Devon Avenue, to the Planning Board Feldman moved to approve. Flowers seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0). Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes — December 21, 2020, page 7 of 8 Order #266- Reappointments -Ms. Ellen Flannery, 30 Conant Street; Mr. Wayne Miller, 5 Pasture Road; and Mr. Zane Craft, 1 Emily Way, to the Planning Board Houseman moved to approve. Rotondo seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0). Order 9270- City Clerk- Amusement License Renewals Rotondo moved to approve. Ames seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0). Order #271- City Clerk -Class 1, 2, 3 Motor Vehicle License Renewals Rotondo moved to approve. Ames seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0). Committee on Public Services Order #263- Reappointment -Mr. Mark Casey, 16 Chapman Street, to the Parks and Recreation Commission Rotondo moved to approve. Flowers seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0). Order #264- Reappointment -Mr. Donald Neuman, 26 Washington Street, to the Beverly Harbor Management Authority Rotondo moved to approve. Rand seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0). Order 9267- Reappointment -Ms. Nancy Dillon, 4 Middle Street, to the Waste Reduction Committee Houseman moved to approve. Feldman seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0). Order #274- Reappointments- Mr. Paul Trefry, 43 Glidden Street; Mr. Paul Bean, 7 Dartmouth Street; Mr. Peter Gentile, 47 Middlebury Lane; Mr. Matthew Mozur, 8 Prince Place, Danvers; and Mr. Aaron Henry, 1 Sylvan Street, Danvers to the Beverly Airport Commission Houseman moved to approve. Flowers seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0). Houseman motioned to carry over unfinished business from 2020 to 2021. Flowers seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0). Rand mentioned that there is an affordable housing lottery coming up for housing in Gloucester. More information can be found online at sebhousing.com and there is a public information session on January 11. Houseman motioned to adjourn. Flowers seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried (8 -0, Frates absent). The meeting adjourned at 10:03pm. Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes — December 21, 2020, page 8 of 8