The Finance Committee approved the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Appointment of Meghan Kennedy to the Horace Cousens Industrial Fund
Approved 6-0; Councilor Micley not voting. Meghan Kennedy was appointed to support families through her expertise in mental health and substance abuse training. - Appropriate $25,000 for Inspector Training
Approved 6-0; Councilor Micley not voting. The funds will support continuing education and training for inspectional services, including updating code books. - Acceptance of a $1,240,000 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness State grant
Approved 6-0; Councilor Micley not voting. The grant will fund stormwater improvements and flood mitigation efforts around Cheesecake Brook in Albemarle Park. The funds will be used for construction. - CPC Recommendation to appropriate $2,000,000 in CPA funding for the First Baptist Church bell tower restoration
Approved as amended 3-1-3; Councilors Gentile, Bixby, and Malakie abstained; Councilor Micley opposed. The CPC funds would be a 49% match with funds the Church raises for restoration. Currently, the Church is closed due to the state of disrepair of the bell tower. The Council had many concerns about this being the third request from churches in Newton, how the building could be kept open to public events if the congregation sells the building, and the percentage of CPA funding going to historical projects (17-18%). - CPC Recommendation to appropriate $650,000 in CPA funding for Newton Family Access
Approved 7-0. This funding will support necessary code-related upgrades to the historic former Davis School Building, enhancing its accessibility and safety. “Family ACCESS of Newton is a nonprofit “focusing on strengthening children, families, and the community by providing programs that nurture child development, promote effective parenting skills, and support working parents.” Family ACCESS rents the gym and parking lot to local sports organizations.
The committee held the following item:
- Appointment of Christopher di Bonaventura as a trustee of the Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust Fund for a term of office set to expire on October 7, 2027. Held 6-0, Councilor Micley not voting. Mr. di Bonaventura was not present.