Finance approved the following (see Report and watch NewTV video):
Appointment of Trustees to John C. Chaffin Educational Fund: Marcia Tabenken (Item #184-24) and Rabbi Allison Berry (Item #185-24) both were approved for appointment as trustees for a lifetime term. Each appointment was approved unanimously. (7-0)
Green Communities Grant for Newton Free Library (Item #188-24): Authorization to accept and expend $500,000 for replacing the library’s HVAC systems with a more energy-efficient, all-electric system. Approved unanimously. (7-0)
Transfer for Library Computers and Technology (Item #193-24): Authorization to transfer $100,000 for replacing some of the oldest public computers in the library. The funds come from salary savings from supervisor positions that are now filled. (7-0)
DPW Vehicle Replacement Program (Item #187-24): Authorization to expend $1,000,000 from Certified Free Cash for replacing two 2007 6-wheel dump trucks and one 2008 10-wheel swap loader truck to be used for snow plowing and construction work. The vehicles will be purchased off a State contract. The State puts out bids that all municipalities can use to save time and standardize equipment. Approved unanimously. (7-0)
Hydro Vacuum Excavator Truck Purchase (Item #196-24): Authorization to spend $615,000 from Water and Sewer Fund Surpluses for a new excavation truck, which will allow excavation without the use of a backhoe, as recommended by the Department of Labor and Safety after their inspection last summer. Approved as amended to specify ‘truck’ instead of ‘trailer’. The “Comptroller noted that there is currently still $4,548,183 available in free cash, $16.36 million available in the water fund balance and the sewer fund balance is at $17.76 million.” The City tries to have 3 months’ worth of revenue in the sewer fund and water fund and is currently above that amount. (7-0)
Water Hydrant Flushing Program (Item #199-24): Authorization to spend $500,000 from the Water Fund Surplus to ensure proper water circulation and quality. Approved unanimously. (7-0)
Stormwater Asset Management Plan Funding (Item #198-24): Approval to accept a $150,000 State grant and to spend an additional $75,000 from city funds to update the Stormwater Asset Management Plan. The grant includes $25,000 “additional match of in-kind services from city- staff.” Approved unanimously. (7-0)
Audit Services Contract (Item #172-24): The City administration and the Financial Audit Advisory Committee “are comfortable with moving forward with CLA.” The 5-year contract requires City Council approval. Approved as amended to enter into a five-year contract. (7-0)