The Finance Committee voted to approve the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Appropriation of $200,000 to the Newton Communications Access Center (NewTV) (7–0, Councilor Grossman not voting) from the City’s Public, Education and Government Access and Cable Related Fund (a tax on cable providers; streaming services do not have a similar tax). Supports NewTV’s operations amid declining cable revenue; the City is monitoring proposed state legislation that may provide future revenue from streaming services. The City has been providing NewTV with $200,000 for several years. NewTV does not currently receive revenue from its YouTube channel. NewTV is working to bring in new sources of non-cable funding.
- Expenditure of $10,000 for settlement of Farmers Ins. a/s/o Vadim Flekel v. City of Newton (7–0, Councilor Grossman not voting). The negotiated settlement reduced the City’s liability from $16,500. A Newton excavator rear ended Flekel’s car.
- Transfer of $150,000 for legal services (7–0, Councilor Grossman not voting). Provides funding for outside legal counsel during a vacancy in the Law Department’s labor relations position.
- Appropriation and transfer of $4,510,000 for the Newton Patrol Association (NPA) FY2022–FY2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement (7–0, Councilor Grossman not voting). Covers retroactive salary and benefits payments required under the mediated JLMC settlement.
- Transfer of $1,952,500 for NPA FY2026 salary adjustments under the same agreement (7–0, Councilor Grossman not voting). Ensures FY2026 salaries reflect the new contract terms. FY2025-2027 negotiation are ongoing. The City wants provisions for less-lethal weapons, a pilot program for body cameras, and an attendance software package. The Police Department’s requests were all salary-related, including a 3% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and stipends for FY2023 and FY2024 related to post-certification.
- Transfer of $125,000 for Library electricity expenses (7–0, Councilor Grossman not voting). The library is experiencing billing difficulties with its electricity provider. Addresses higher-than-expected electricity costs. Future electricity use is expected to be lower due to the new HVAC system.
- Expenditure of $50,000 in mitigation funds for bus stop improvements as part of the Washington Street Pilot (7–0, Councilor Grossman not voting). Adds three accessible bus stops at platforms and safety features requested by the MBTA.
- Acceptance and expenditure of a $50,000 FY2025 state earmark for the Washington Street Pilot Program (7–0, Councilor Grossman not voting). Supports landscaping and aesthetic improvements.
- Appropriation of $25,000 for FY2025 Veteran Benefits (7–0, Councilor Grossman not voting). Addresses a shortfall in the Veterans Benefits account due to delayed billing.
- Authorization to transfer $50 to Veteran Services Full Time Salaries from Veteran Services Printing Account (8-0).
- Authorization to expend $1,300,000 to support the City’s Transportation Network Improvements Program (8-0) from Free Cash for sidewalk, paving and ADA ramp improvements around the Burr and Bowen elementary schools and the Cooper Center.
- Appropriation of $1,000,000 for snow and ice removal (8-0) from Free Cash to cover late invoice submissions.
- Appropriation of $31,073.50 for traffic safety and operations measures (8-0) from permit mitigation funds from several developments. To be used for traffic signal improvements in West Newton Square, pedestrian signage near Walnut Street, and to partially fund Elliot Street traffic calming project and improvements along California Street.
- Appropriation of $2,453,904.27 for Capital Improvement Plan inflow and infiltration projects (8-0) the funds come from 16 development projects that required a special permit or comprehensive permit.
- Authorization to transfer $139,000 to cover pension obligation shortfall in Water and Sewer Funds (8-0) From wage funds. The money was accrued through savings due to vacancies.
- Authorization to transfer funds to Health Insurance Trust Fund (8-0) from unexpended General Fund municipal health insurance funds. The Comptroller expects there to be about $1.3 million available.
- Authorization to transfer $2,925 for interest (8-0). Transfer from executive salaries to cover the interest on long-term High School debt.
Attendees: Councilors Wright (Chair), Albright, Danberg, Downs, Greenberg, Krintzman, Leary.
City staff present: Comptroller Steve Curley; Deputy Comptroller Stela Zaloshnja; Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux; Financial Planning & Analysis Manager Perry Rosenfield; Senior Analyst Endrit Poreci; NewTV Executive Director Robert Kelly; City Solicitor Ali Giuliani; Assistant City Solicitor Jennifer S. Kelly; Police Superintendent Dennis Dowling; Library Director Jill Mercurio; Director of Transportation Planning Jenn Martin; Commissioner of Public Works Shawna Sullivan
