The Finance Committee approved the following (see Report and watch the Video):
- Acceptance of a $60,000 grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security’s Office of Grants and Research (Approved 5-0, Councilor Micley not voting): To support road safety enhancements, including enforcement measures, bicycle safety equipment, a traffic data device, and traffic safety training for three officers.
- Acceptance of a $302,922 grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security’s State 911 Department (Approved 6-0): The grant covers two positions and some overtime. Newton has received the grant for the last 9-10 years. The City is budgeted for 24 dispatchers and has 4 open positions.
- Appropriate $7,416.12 for the settlement of A.M. v. City of Newton (Approved as Amended 6-0): For the settlement of a mother and her minor’s injury claim due to a rear-end collision involving a DPW vehicle, with a corrected appropriation amount. DPW driver was cited for distracted driving.
- Appropriate $105,253 for the Newton South Lighting Project (Approved 6-0): To fund the final phase of converting the school’s lighting system to LED, using a combination of Energy Stabilization Funds and utility rebates.
- Acceptance of a $93,376 grant for Drinking Water Lead Service Line Replacement Planning (Approved 6-0, Subject to 2nd Call): for the drinking water lead service replacement planning project program. The City seeks out and finds lead services from the water main to homes. Homeowners can receive a 10-year interest-free loan for the expense of removing and replacing the portion of the lead service pipe to their house. The City is finding more lead service lines than expected. The grant would allow for the data to be included in publicly available, online maps.
- Transfer $215,000 for new traffic signal equipment at Lowell Avenue/Washington Street (Approved 6-0): To upgrade traffic signal equipment and improve traffic flow and safety at a key intersection. The funds come from the Trio mitigation fund and will allow for a single dedicated westbound left turn lane and a single westbound through lane. Ward 2 residents have asked for this for over a decade.
- Authorization for Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) loan program for Sewer CIP Project 10 (Approved 6-0): To support sewer infrastructure improvements that reduce extraneous sewer flows (infiltration) in Newton Centre, Newton Highlands, Newton Corner, and Waban with a zero-interest, phased loan.
- Authorization for MWRA Phase 4 water loan program (Approved as Amended 6-0): To borrow $19,573,000 to replace aging water infrastructure and enhance water quality through a phased, interest-free loan.
- CPC Recommendation to appropriate $150,000 in CPA funding for Spears Park Community Garden (Approved as Amended 6-0): To create an accessible community garden of 30 raised beds at Walnut Park and Washington St. The project will include heavy-duty metal compost tumblers instead of open composting to address rodent concerns. Just under 50% of the total project will be funded by CPA funds.
- Reappointment of Jeffrey Silton as a Constable (Approved 6-0): for a term extending to October 25, 2027.
The Finance Committee held:
- Appropriate $25,000 for Inspector Training (Held 6-0): No one from the Inspectional Services Department was available to discuss the appropriation.