The draft public records policy is now gone from the Town website.
There is still no statement of vacancy on the Advisory Committee (one).
Templeton's FY2016 schedule A has been submitted to the DOR and when approved, it will be available.
The Templeton municipal water department may have gotten the USDA loan for the water tank.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
From the annual Town report of 1996.
Special Town meeting, January 23, 1996, article 6, pages 99, 100, 101.
Motion:
To see if the Town will approve the district's debt authorization of $20,603,250.00.
. . . .provided that no bonds or notes shall be issued unless the Town has voted at an election pursuant to chapter 49, section 21 C (k) of the general laws to exempt the principal and interest costs thereon from the provision of proposition 2 1/2, so called, and further proved that the Narragansett regional school district has the right to proceed once the Massachusetts department of education has acknowledged the completed project application and the NRSD has been placed on the FY'97 priority project lists of the commonwealth, or to take any other action relative thereto.
It is stated the objective is to have a facility for an additional 550 student capacity and to raise this appropriation the Town's treasurer with the approval of the selectmen is authorized to borrow (not to exceed said amount) for both long and short term purposes.
Interesting reading in my opinion.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Special Town meeting, January 23, 1996, article 6, pages 99, 100, 101.
Motion:
To see if the Town will approve the district's debt authorization of $20,603,250.00.
. . . .provided that no bonds or notes shall be issued unless the Town has voted at an election pursuant to chapter 49, section 21 C (k) of the general laws to exempt the principal and interest costs thereon from the provision of proposition 2 1/2, so called, and further proved that the Narragansett regional school district has the right to proceed once the Massachusetts department of education has acknowledged the completed project application and the NRSD has been placed on the FY'97 priority project lists of the commonwealth, or to take any other action relative thereto.
It is stated the objective is to have a facility for an additional 550 student capacity and to raise this appropriation the Town's treasurer with the approval of the selectmen is authorized to borrow (not to exceed said amount) for both long and short term purposes.
Interesting reading in my opinion.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Retiree health insurance premium freeze extended
- August 25, 2016
As a result, cities and towns that used the municipal health insurance reform process cannot adjust contribution percentages for retiree health insurance for another two years (until July 2018).
The municipal health insurance reform law, passed in 2011, froze the retiree rates through July 2014. The freeze was subsequently extended for an additional two years and now has been extended again, reaching a total of seven years.
Retirees and unions were exerting pressure to override the veto, even as the MMA and the administration called on the Legislature to let the governor’s veto stand. The MMA argued that the freeze takes away one of the few tools municipal officials have to manage rising health insurance costs.
To date, more than 100 cities, towns and other local entities have adopted and used the reform process to save hundreds of millions of dollars in health insurance costs.
Cities and towns that did not adopt and use the municipal health insurance reform process may still change retiree premium contribution rates.
Municipal retirees do not have collective bargaining rights under Chapter 150E.
- Written by MMA Senior Legislative Analyst Katie S. McCue
- posted by Jeff Bennett
My thoughts for the week.
After a week, all there is "Sound of SILENCE" Selectmen were notified that on the Templeton Town website, that you pay for, has incorrect information on it. Fees for public records are not only incorrect, they are in violation of the law. No action at all, perhaps not so surprising at all.
Maybe go to selectmen office hours and complain or inform? Already been done, complain or inform, at a televised meeting of the selectmen and nothing has been changed, no action at all.
Perhaps they take lessons from the Light and Water commissioners, "we do things right over here".
I wonder if I can get a notification in the newspaper, Templeton Municipal Light and Water - Dana says "We do things Right over here." Another example of a need for change in commissioners, the only problem is without a change of two commissioners, not much will happen.
posted by Jeff Bennett
After a week, all there is "Sound of SILENCE" Selectmen were notified that on the Templeton Town website, that you pay for, has incorrect information on it. Fees for public records are not only incorrect, they are in violation of the law. No action at all, perhaps not so surprising at all.
Maybe go to selectmen office hours and complain or inform? Already been done, complain or inform, at a televised meeting of the selectmen and nothing has been changed, no action at all.
Perhaps they take lessons from the Light and Water commissioners, "we do things right over here".
I wonder if I can get a notification in the newspaper, Templeton Municipal Light and Water - Dana says "We do things Right over here." Another example of a need for change in commissioners, the only problem is without a change of two commissioners, not much will happen.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Saturday, August 27, 2016
MEMORANDUM - OFFICE OF THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
To: Board of Selectmen
From: Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
RE: Administrator's Weekly Report
Date: August 25, 2016
cc: All Departments
Business Meeting: N/A
Weekly Report: We have received a new contract from the MART for our van which has substantial negatives to us mid this budget year ($1I k+/- partial FY loss in revenue). Dianna and I are working on this and will advise ASAP. I had several lengthy conversations with Abrahams Associates and our FY '13 Auditor re: the OPEB valuation. I'll be bringing you a request to set the base valuation year as of FY '15 at your 09/12 meeting. We also discussed (and Kelli has worked on) trying to establish the FY ' 12 ending balances versus the FY ' 13 beginning balances for our meeting with Melanson as we try to tie down loose pieces to become auditable for FY ' 13. I've prepared an addition to your 10/20 Fall Town Meeting relative to the school's drainage easement and shared the same with them as to the information I need for your action on 09/26. I toured the Highway yard, finalized the Request for Quotations for the used 6-wheel dump truck and issued the same, circulated a sample bid package for Town surplus to the Highway Administrative Assistant to see if we think we can accomplish such a sale this fall yet to clear out space now taken up by the 15"- vehicles and other such surplus. I've begun a draft of a Disposition of Surplus Property policy for 09/22. I met with the PD Chief and Architect to review a potential bid schedule and the timing of the needed Bond Anticipation Note(s). I've reached out to DOR to arrange a sit-down with the lead processor on state house notes (which can go up to $1M). We also discussed the need for an Owner's Clerk of the Works and should be able to advise you on this shortly. I've continued discussion with the finance units relative to ensuring we have back-ups for payroll, AP and basic functions. We will have a team sit-down to review work-flow after Labor Day as we work toward any proposed revisions. I wrapped up the work of the Fire Chief Screening Panel and took care of all arrangements for your final interviews of 09/24.
from Town website - first paragraph of "report"
posted by Jeff Bennett
To: Board of Selectmen
From: Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
RE: Administrator's Weekly Report
Date: August 25, 2016
cc: All Departments
Business Meeting: N/A
Weekly Report: We have received a new contract from the MART for our van which has substantial negatives to us mid this budget year ($1I k+/- partial FY loss in revenue). Dianna and I are working on this and will advise ASAP. I had several lengthy conversations with Abrahams Associates and our FY '13 Auditor re: the OPEB valuation. I'll be bringing you a request to set the base valuation year as of FY '15 at your 09/12 meeting. We also discussed (and Kelli has worked on) trying to establish the FY ' 12 ending balances versus the FY ' 13 beginning balances for our meeting with Melanson as we try to tie down loose pieces to become auditable for FY ' 13. I've prepared an addition to your 10/20 Fall Town Meeting relative to the school's drainage easement and shared the same with them as to the information I need for your action on 09/26. I toured the Highway yard, finalized the Request for Quotations for the used 6-wheel dump truck and issued the same, circulated a sample bid package for Town surplus to the Highway Administrative Assistant to see if we think we can accomplish such a sale this fall yet to clear out space now taken up by the 15"- vehicles and other such surplus. I've begun a draft of a Disposition of Surplus Property policy for 09/22. I met with the PD Chief and Architect to review a potential bid schedule and the timing of the needed Bond Anticipation Note(s). I've reached out to DOR to arrange a sit-down with the lead processor on state house notes (which can go up to $1M). We also discussed the need for an Owner's Clerk of the Works and should be able to advise you on this shortly. I've continued discussion with the finance units relative to ensuring we have back-ups for payroll, AP and basic functions. We will have a team sit-down to review work-flow after Labor Day as we work toward any proposed revisions. I wrapped up the work of the Fire Chief Screening Panel and took care of all arrangements for your final interviews of 09/24.
from Town website - first paragraph of "report"
posted by Jeff Bennett
Friday, August 26, 2016
MEMORANDUM - OFFICE OF THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
DATE: August 11, 2016
RE: Administrator's Weekly Report
cc N/A
All Departments
Business Session: N/A
Workshop: N/A
Weekly Activities: Welcome to the first organizational team report. This weekly update will give you an idea of how the staff has been engaged, issues you need to be aware of now, and items which may need your future action or the development of policy. It will probably go through a few iterations
before we all settle into a routine so that it is informative but does not consume too many resources to prepare. Please let me know your thoughts so we can make this a useful tool for you and the public.
Most of our attention has been on the Special Town Meeting we reviewed at the budget meeting/ We await a sign-off from DORS should we need it, to use the stabilization funds to finance the payment of the unanticipated debt expense. A review panel consisting of three Fire/EMS Chief's, Chief of Police and one management professional will be assisting me in narrowing the Fire Chief applicants. All candidates have been informed of your 08/24 interview process, the fact that it will be a public meeting, and reminded of a need for no more than a 15-mile town to town residency. Please be sending me questions you might want to ask that I can begin to assemble them into a compiled list for sign-off at your 08/22 BOS meeting. Staff discussed the annual evaluation process given. I have only
been here but a few days. I'm going to have them each do a short self-evaluation as a starting point. We hope to supplement this with a modified 3600 peer review and a one on one sit-down. I expect this to take about 8 weeks. We also discussed whether there was merit to presenting the idea of adopting the local option meals tax which could raise as much as $40k annually. We are following up on a suggestion that we survey our surrounding towns to see if they have done so and what — if any — problems they have encountered. Having been turned down for a Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) by Fidelity, the RDA was provided with a declination letter which seems to have solved the immediate problem. John D. and I will have a conference call with Bond Counsel for Monday to review the next needed steps (probably a bonding resolution for your 08/22 meeting). It appears a similar resolution will be needed by the Sewer Department for the Pleasant Street pump station. With the design for the Police Station upgrade approaching finalization, we need to now consider how to secure that given our experience on the water BAN. Interviews for the HR Assistant are upcoming. Of our three applicants two withdrew. Unless there is objection, I am going to add the second finalist from the Cemetery interviews to the pool for consideration. Lesson Learned: We need a formal policy on how to advertise, process and the like. We've added this to a list we have begun of policies we'd like to address during my time with you (also one dealing with travel). The several personnel matters you were informed of last week will be addressed in various meetings during the front part of next
week. We will keep you posted as they evolve. I met with the Advisory Committee Chair for a general discussion in the run-up to the Fall Town Meeting. Holly attended a meeting with the ABCC and learned they are — over time— moving licensing to an on-line platform. It looks like we will be in a —yet to be defined — Phase 2. As you know, the Planning Board voted 4-2 to not approve the new school plan. We have consulted with Town Counsel as to what the options might be going forward and expect to have his response by close of business on Monday.
Administration & Finance
Town Accountant: FY 2016 Cash is reconciled from GL to Cash Book — Worked on Budget for FY
17 and discovered the Debt line item error of $87,500 — Will have updated Budget VS Actual out on Thursday (on vacation starting Tuesday 8/16 and be back Wednesday 8/24)
Treasurer/CoIlector: Nothing to report this week. (out of office)
Assessor: Nothing to report this week. (out of office)
Town Clerk: This week I had Suzanne Owen from General Code come to the Selectmen's meeting to give the board a brief presentation on what the process and the benefits of codifying our by-laws
would be. Our office is busy with absentee voting and preparing for the State Primary which will be held on September 8th from 7:00 am-8:OOpm. The 2016 Street List has been completed and can be purchased in the Town Clerk's office.
Highway & Grounds
Highway Department: French Road: A town tree fell on private property. Cut and removed tree.
There are two more large trees on the same property that are the property of the Town and are dead. Resident is concerned about the branches falling while his 3-year-old is outside playing. Removed 2 trees, the abutter will take the wood. Follow up on comments from residents: Trimmed grass at the Baldwinsville end of Baldwinville Road to the left-hand side to improve visibility. Trimmed various branches hanging and obstructing road signs, Baldwinville Road, North Main, Claire and Beech. Rework roadside Shady lane area washing out and creating a groove where the mail truck is complaining of getting stuck. Cold patch Main Street near bridge, French Road, Pail Factory and Turner; Mow along Hubbardston Road. Projected for week ending 8/19/16, continue removing dead and dangerous trees on various roads around Templeton. We anticipate using a tree service to remove some tree that we cannot do. Our 1979 Mack has been sidelined due to frame failure, brake problems and a clutch that needs to be replaced. The estimate to rehab this truck would be $18,000.00-$20,000.00 per the quotes. It is my opinion that this truck should be replaced with a used or new vehicle.
Cemetery & Parks: This First Weekly Update I Spent The Majority of Time on Office
Administration, and meetings;
Conducted Interviews for Administrative Assistant Position, and recommendation for appointment;
Prepared for Pine Grove Expansion Presentation for Selectmen Meeting;
Met with Lot Owners Pine Grove Cemetery Lot Concerns; Scheduled two Funerals with Several Pending; Met with family to sell a Lot (emergency);
Providing support to the Engineer for Tomb Restoration Plans & Specifications;
Followed up with the Highway Superintendent on Boynton St. Area of Templeton Common;
Posted Cemetery Commission Meeting Agenda;
Field work repaired water lines & Mowing for Funeral Green Lawn.
Public Safety
Templeton Police Department: The PD has submitted the COPS Grant and is awaiting word from the Feds. All vests have been ordered for the pan-time officers. Interviews to fill the remaining vacancies with the part-time officers will be taking place Thursday the 18th at Town Hall. The PD renovation project has a final review on 8/23. Dispatch had issues with and air conditioning unit used to keep computer equipment at the proper temperature, technician was out and issue should be resolved shortly. Interviews to hire two part-time dispatchers are taking place on Thursday the 18th at Town Hall.
Templeton Fire/EMS: Friday we covered 3 ambulance and I fire alarm call that came in with in a 10-minute span; 15 delivery tanker truck inspections were completed, (1/2Hr each); 8 Smoke/carbon home inspections; Assisted a home owner with removing a Bat from their home; Obtained an estimate for the roof repair for St.—2 front foyer. $2000.00; Obtained an estimate to wire the generator from front building to also run the rear building, $4450.00; New Deck gun, Master stream nozzle for Engine—2 ordered $3200.00 below the state bid price using old appliance parts from old EA•, 10 pails of class A foam ordered; Meeting with Kelli about budget request; A new fire coat ordered 3 months ago was received.$1300.00; Using "FTE" pay would like to hire 1 medic and I basic EMT full time 40 Hrs. a week starting September 1st. 8Am to 4Pm to cover OEMS requirements; Hire 1 medic and I basic after January I st. full time 40 Hrs. a week 4Pm to 12 midnight to cover the 16 hours required to keep the ambulance license.
Emergency Management: Received the final, signed grant contract for the 2015 SHSP/CCP grant via email on Friday 8/5/16. This $2500 grant will be utilized to purchase CPR/AED training equipment for Templeton's CERT and also local CERT programs. On Saturday, 8/6/16, our CERT program assisted
Templeton Police Department with traffic control for the annual 5K Wind Turbine Road Race, which started and ended at the Narragansett Middle/High School. This allowed the runners to be safe and the traffic to keep moving with minimal delays. A summary of this event was forwarded to MEMA to inform them of CERT activity. We are working on a complete re-organization of Emergency Management files. This process will take several weeks to complete. Monday night, (8/8/16), we held our regular monthly meeting of our volunteer CERT program from 7PM to 9PM. There were 19 members in attendance. Attended a Department Head meeting at 9AM on Tuesday (8/9/16). On Tuesday 8/9/16, I contacted a new vendor to order equipment for the 2015 SHSP/CCP grant. This equipment will be shipped out immediately. A new laptop computer, purchased by the Town, arrived
at Town Hall on Tuesday 8/9/16. This computer will be dedicated to the new ID system that we purchased with the 2015 EMPG grant. This purchase was necessary, as none of our computers had enough internal memory to run the software for this ID system. On Wednesday (8/10/16) the installation representative from Higgins Co. arrived at 8:30 AM to install the software on our new laptop for the ID system. 1--1e also set up CERT ID's with this program. One of our CERT members will be trained in the programming of this system and be able to assist other Town Departments in
making ID's as necessary.
Development & Inspectional Services
Board of Health: Last week the Board of Health conducted a "bulky waste" collection at the capped landfill that included metal for no cost, bulk waste items for a fee, and electronics for a fee (pamphlet
from Town website - posted by Jeff Bennett
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
DATE: August 11, 2016
RE: Administrator's Weekly Report
cc N/A
All Departments
Business Session: N/A
Workshop: N/A
Weekly Activities: Welcome to the first organizational team report. This weekly update will give you an idea of how the staff has been engaged, issues you need to be aware of now, and items which may need your future action or the development of policy. It will probably go through a few iterations
before we all settle into a routine so that it is informative but does not consume too many resources to prepare. Please let me know your thoughts so we can make this a useful tool for you and the public.
Most of our attention has been on the Special Town Meeting we reviewed at the budget meeting/ We await a sign-off from DORS should we need it, to use the stabilization funds to finance the payment of the unanticipated debt expense. A review panel consisting of three Fire/EMS Chief's, Chief of Police and one management professional will be assisting me in narrowing the Fire Chief applicants. All candidates have been informed of your 08/24 interview process, the fact that it will be a public meeting, and reminded of a need for no more than a 15-mile town to town residency. Please be sending me questions you might want to ask that I can begin to assemble them into a compiled list for sign-off at your 08/22 BOS meeting. Staff discussed the annual evaluation process given. I have only
been here but a few days. I'm going to have them each do a short self-evaluation as a starting point. We hope to supplement this with a modified 3600 peer review and a one on one sit-down. I expect this to take about 8 weeks. We also discussed whether there was merit to presenting the idea of adopting the local option meals tax which could raise as much as $40k annually. We are following up on a suggestion that we survey our surrounding towns to see if they have done so and what — if any — problems they have encountered. Having been turned down for a Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) by Fidelity, the RDA was provided with a declination letter which seems to have solved the immediate problem. John D. and I will have a conference call with Bond Counsel for Monday to review the next needed steps (probably a bonding resolution for your 08/22 meeting). It appears a similar resolution will be needed by the Sewer Department for the Pleasant Street pump station. With the design for the Police Station upgrade approaching finalization, we need to now consider how to secure that given our experience on the water BAN. Interviews for the HR Assistant are upcoming. Of our three applicants two withdrew. Unless there is objection, I am going to add the second finalist from the Cemetery interviews to the pool for consideration. Lesson Learned: We need a formal policy on how to advertise, process and the like. We've added this to a list we have begun of policies we'd like to address during my time with you (also one dealing with travel). The several personnel matters you were informed of last week will be addressed in various meetings during the front part of next
week. We will keep you posted as they evolve. I met with the Advisory Committee Chair for a general discussion in the run-up to the Fall Town Meeting. Holly attended a meeting with the ABCC and learned they are — over time— moving licensing to an on-line platform. It looks like we will be in a —yet to be defined — Phase 2. As you know, the Planning Board voted 4-2 to not approve the new school plan. We have consulted with Town Counsel as to what the options might be going forward and expect to have his response by close of business on Monday.
Administration & Finance
Town Accountant: FY 2016 Cash is reconciled from GL to Cash Book — Worked on Budget for FY
17 and discovered the Debt line item error of $87,500 — Will have updated Budget VS Actual out on Thursday (on vacation starting Tuesday 8/16 and be back Wednesday 8/24)
Treasurer/CoIlector: Nothing to report this week. (out of office)
Assessor: Nothing to report this week. (out of office)
Town Clerk: This week I had Suzanne Owen from General Code come to the Selectmen's meeting to give the board a brief presentation on what the process and the benefits of codifying our by-laws
would be. Our office is busy with absentee voting and preparing for the State Primary which will be held on September 8th from 7:00 am-8:OOpm. The 2016 Street List has been completed and can be purchased in the Town Clerk's office.
Highway & Grounds
Highway Department: French Road: A town tree fell on private property. Cut and removed tree.
There are two more large trees on the same property that are the property of the Town and are dead. Resident is concerned about the branches falling while his 3-year-old is outside playing. Removed 2 trees, the abutter will take the wood. Follow up on comments from residents: Trimmed grass at the Baldwinsville end of Baldwinville Road to the left-hand side to improve visibility. Trimmed various branches hanging and obstructing road signs, Baldwinville Road, North Main, Claire and Beech. Rework roadside Shady lane area washing out and creating a groove where the mail truck is complaining of getting stuck. Cold patch Main Street near bridge, French Road, Pail Factory and Turner; Mow along Hubbardston Road. Projected for week ending 8/19/16, continue removing dead and dangerous trees on various roads around Templeton. We anticipate using a tree service to remove some tree that we cannot do. Our 1979 Mack has been sidelined due to frame failure, brake problems and a clutch that needs to be replaced. The estimate to rehab this truck would be $18,000.00-$20,000.00 per the quotes. It is my opinion that this truck should be replaced with a used or new vehicle.
Cemetery & Parks: This First Weekly Update I Spent The Majority of Time on Office
Administration, and meetings;
Conducted Interviews for Administrative Assistant Position, and recommendation for appointment;
Prepared for Pine Grove Expansion Presentation for Selectmen Meeting;
Met with Lot Owners Pine Grove Cemetery Lot Concerns; Scheduled two Funerals with Several Pending; Met with family to sell a Lot (emergency);
Providing support to the Engineer for Tomb Restoration Plans & Specifications;
Followed up with the Highway Superintendent on Boynton St. Area of Templeton Common;
Posted Cemetery Commission Meeting Agenda;
Field work repaired water lines & Mowing for Funeral Green Lawn.
Public Safety
Templeton Police Department: The PD has submitted the COPS Grant and is awaiting word from the Feds. All vests have been ordered for the pan-time officers. Interviews to fill the remaining vacancies with the part-time officers will be taking place Thursday the 18th at Town Hall. The PD renovation project has a final review on 8/23. Dispatch had issues with and air conditioning unit used to keep computer equipment at the proper temperature, technician was out and issue should be resolved shortly. Interviews to hire two part-time dispatchers are taking place on Thursday the 18th at Town Hall.
Templeton Fire/EMS: Friday we covered 3 ambulance and I fire alarm call that came in with in a 10-minute span; 15 delivery tanker truck inspections were completed, (1/2Hr each); 8 Smoke/carbon home inspections; Assisted a home owner with removing a Bat from their home; Obtained an estimate for the roof repair for St.—2 front foyer. $2000.00; Obtained an estimate to wire the generator from front building to also run the rear building, $4450.00; New Deck gun, Master stream nozzle for Engine—2 ordered $3200.00 below the state bid price using old appliance parts from old EA•, 10 pails of class A foam ordered; Meeting with Kelli about budget request; A new fire coat ordered 3 months ago was received.$1300.00; Using "FTE" pay would like to hire 1 medic and I basic EMT full time 40 Hrs. a week starting September 1st. 8Am to 4Pm to cover OEMS requirements; Hire 1 medic and I basic after January I st. full time 40 Hrs. a week 4Pm to 12 midnight to cover the 16 hours required to keep the ambulance license.
Emergency Management: Received the final, signed grant contract for the 2015 SHSP/CCP grant via email on Friday 8/5/16. This $2500 grant will be utilized to purchase CPR/AED training equipment for Templeton's CERT and also local CERT programs. On Saturday, 8/6/16, our CERT program assisted
Templeton Police Department with traffic control for the annual 5K Wind Turbine Road Race, which started and ended at the Narragansett Middle/High School. This allowed the runners to be safe and the traffic to keep moving with minimal delays. A summary of this event was forwarded to MEMA to inform them of CERT activity. We are working on a complete re-organization of Emergency Management files. This process will take several weeks to complete. Monday night, (8/8/16), we held our regular monthly meeting of our volunteer CERT program from 7PM to 9PM. There were 19 members in attendance. Attended a Department Head meeting at 9AM on Tuesday (8/9/16). On Tuesday 8/9/16, I contacted a new vendor to order equipment for the 2015 SHSP/CCP grant. This equipment will be shipped out immediately. A new laptop computer, purchased by the Town, arrived
at Town Hall on Tuesday 8/9/16. This computer will be dedicated to the new ID system that we purchased with the 2015 EMPG grant. This purchase was necessary, as none of our computers had enough internal memory to run the software for this ID system. On Wednesday (8/10/16) the installation representative from Higgins Co. arrived at 8:30 AM to install the software on our new laptop for the ID system. 1--1e also set up CERT ID's with this program. One of our CERT members will be trained in the programming of this system and be able to assist other Town Departments in
making ID's as necessary.
Development & Inspectional Services
Board of Health: Last week the Board of Health conducted a "bulky waste" collection at the capped landfill that included metal for no cost, bulk waste items for a fee, and electronics for a fee (pamphlet
from Town website - posted by Jeff Bennett
TOWN OF TEMPLETON, MASSACHUSETTS
TO: Board of selectmen
FROM: Carter Terenzini, Interim Town Administrator
DATE: August 8, 2016
RE: Weekly Update
CC N/A
In this start-up week I spent the majority of my time in collecting documents and meeting with key staff. Amongst those was an all Department Head Meet and Greet (where we discussed possible ways of completing annual evaluations), and at length meetings with the
Treasurer/Collector, Town Accountant, and Highway Superintendent, Deb Wagner of DOR and our bonding Financial Consultant. The most pressing matters were:
- Several personnel matters for which I have provided a separate confidential memorandum;
- Learning there is no back-up person trained to do payroll or accounts payable should something happen to either of the two lead staff responsible for these matters;
- Reviewing various budget numbers and spread sheets in preparation for a Fall Town Meeting (STM) article to bring two possible revenue overestimates and several totaling errors into balance;
- Late filed bills (all of which seem to be from the Sewer Department) for the STM knowing we cannot use retained earnings to cover them (I have a call into K. Songer and will advise);
- Costing out the Highway/Sewer CBA to ensure appropriate funding is available for the STM;
- With a lack of financials we are unable to procure a competitive Bond Anticipation Note
(BAN) for the water project. Our financial consultant advised a negotiated placement. Mr. Driscoll and I met with Fidelity on Thursday and learned this morning they do not believe they have the depth/experience to help us out. I have reached out to John and another financial institution;
- DOR advised on their position on free cash and retained earnings (they will not certify or allow the use of either), the need to ensure we are reconciling cash and accounts receivable with the General Ledger, encouraged we begin to compile all Prepared by Client (PBC) items for the auditors; and gave me access to estimates of what the community might raise if it were to consider adopting the local meals tax ($40k+/- per year).
- Kelli and I have discussed the merits of trying to have the audit firm under contract for FY '13, '14, and '15 bring us right through FY '16. If there is no objection I'd like to reach out to see what those costs might be for a more in-depth discussion of the merits.
from Town website - posted by Jeff Bennett
TO: Board of selectmen
FROM: Carter Terenzini, Interim Town Administrator
DATE: August 8, 2016
RE: Weekly Update
CC N/A
In this start-up week I spent the majority of my time in collecting documents and meeting with key staff. Amongst those was an all Department Head Meet and Greet (where we discussed possible ways of completing annual evaluations), and at length meetings with the
Treasurer/Collector, Town Accountant, and Highway Superintendent, Deb Wagner of DOR and our bonding Financial Consultant. The most pressing matters were:
- Several personnel matters for which I have provided a separate confidential memorandum;
- Learning there is no back-up person trained to do payroll or accounts payable should something happen to either of the two lead staff responsible for these matters;
- Reviewing various budget numbers and spread sheets in preparation for a Fall Town Meeting (STM) article to bring two possible revenue overestimates and several totaling errors into balance;
- Late filed bills (all of which seem to be from the Sewer Department) for the STM knowing we cannot use retained earnings to cover them (I have a call into K. Songer and will advise);
- Costing out the Highway/Sewer CBA to ensure appropriate funding is available for the STM;
- With a lack of financials we are unable to procure a competitive Bond Anticipation Note
(BAN) for the water project. Our financial consultant advised a negotiated placement. Mr. Driscoll and I met with Fidelity on Thursday and learned this morning they do not believe they have the depth/experience to help us out. I have reached out to John and another financial institution;
- DOR advised on their position on free cash and retained earnings (they will not certify or allow the use of either), the need to ensure we are reconciling cash and accounts receivable with the General Ledger, encouraged we begin to compile all Prepared by Client (PBC) items for the auditors; and gave me access to estimates of what the community might raise if it were to consider adopting the local meals tax ($40k+/- per year).
- Kelli and I have discussed the merits of trying to have the audit firm under contract for FY '13, '14, and '15 bring us right through FY '16. If there is no objection I'd like to reach out to see what those costs might be for a more in-depth discussion of the merits.
from Town website - posted by Jeff Bennett
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Somebody must have some pull, there is a help wanted post on Templeton Town website for a vacancy on the housing authority. Maybe someone with some tree/logging experience can apply as they have a problem with a TREE growing out of the chimney over there.
Funny thing is, there has been a request from the Advisory Committee in, since about July, for an opening on said committee but somehow it cannot make it on the Templeton Town web site??
Perhaps any selectmen who read this page can give us a hand, although we do have some capable people on the Advisory Committee. (but we are only appointed so we may need help from some elected folks) Personally I hope those elected folks are busy trying to come up with solutions to the budget boo boos they have before them now (the selectmen) so they can get it to the Advisory Committee in time so we may look them over in detail. I would hate to see them send something over at the last minute.
Now I have to go and try to watch the meeting of the elected Board of Assessors as I understand there might be some unprofessional behavior from a town administrator on there. I have to try and watch it and see.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Funny thing is, there has been a request from the Advisory Committee in, since about July, for an opening on said committee but somehow it cannot make it on the Templeton Town web site??
Perhaps any selectmen who read this page can give us a hand, although we do have some capable people on the Advisory Committee. (but we are only appointed so we may need help from some elected folks) Personally I hope those elected folks are busy trying to come up with solutions to the budget boo boos they have before them now (the selectmen) so they can get it to the Advisory Committee in time so we may look them over in detail. I would hate to see them send something over at the last minute.
Now I have to go and try to watch the meeting of the elected Board of Assessors as I understand there might be some unprofessional behavior from a town administrator on there. I have to try and watch it and see.
posted by Jeff Bennett
link should open the Templeton schedule A which shows revenue and expenses for the fiscal year 2015.
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ag8wbGi1Ag0zgWl9D_AdTjODvVpU
posted by Jeff Bennett
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ag8wbGi1Ag0zgWl9D_AdTjODvVpU
posted by Jeff Bennett
Monday evening, Templeton selectmen were informed that the Templeton Town website has incorrect information on it. Concerning public records and the costs for copies of them. The law was changed in February 2016. It is now 5 cents per page, one sided or two, from the file drawer or a computer printout. Templeton website has 20 cents per copy from the filing cabinet and 50 cents from a computer printout. There are some records which are covered by law as to the cost per page. Do not get taken, if you request a copy, you do not have to fill out a form and it is only 5 cents per page.
The Town cannot charge what the feel like charging.
The main purpose of this blog and my face book page is to provide information, especially financial, and to be as correct as possible. Some people, especially some selectmen, may not like it, too bad.
Templeton has a face book page, although it looks more like a persons face book rather than Town's and there is a statement on their that goes "we do not put items on here to tell people to vote one way or another, we just provide information." Currently I do not see anything about the fiscal 2016 books, the messed up budget of fiscal 2017, the sewer bills that may not have been paid and on and on. If the claim is to provide information, I think it needs to be updated.
Diane Brooks posted a comment on this blog about being on vacation and she would not be at a selectmen meeting and she would not take part remotely, however, she did call in and did take part remotely. Perhaps this blog had something to do with that, or not. Whatever the case, it is good to see that option be utilized.
posted by Jeff Bennett
The Town cannot charge what the feel like charging.
The main purpose of this blog and my face book page is to provide information, especially financial, and to be as correct as possible. Some people, especially some selectmen, may not like it, too bad.
Templeton has a face book page, although it looks more like a persons face book rather than Town's and there is a statement on their that goes "we do not put items on here to tell people to vote one way or another, we just provide information." Currently I do not see anything about the fiscal 2016 books, the messed up budget of fiscal 2017, the sewer bills that may not have been paid and on and on. If the claim is to provide information, I think it needs to be updated.
Diane Brooks posted a comment on this blog about being on vacation and she would not be at a selectmen meeting and she would not take part remotely, however, she did call in and did take part remotely. Perhaps this blog had something to do with that, or not. Whatever the case, it is good to see that option be utilized.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Fiscal 2016 Templeton Town financials might not be closed after all.
No, I can’t officially close the FY 16 year in the software system until I have good forwarding balances. However no other entries need to be made that I am aware of.
Kelli Pontbriand
Accountant
Town of Templeton
978-894-2765
From: Templeton, MA Advisory Board [mailto:templetonadvisoryboard@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2016 2:46 PM
To: Kelli Pontbriand
Cc: Advisory Committee; Beverly Bartolomeo; Gordon Moore; Jeff Bennett; Julie Farrell; Katharine Fulton; Wilfred Spring
Subject: fy16 Closed out
Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2016 2:46 PM
To: Kelli Pontbriand
Cc: Advisory Committee; Beverly Bartolomeo; Gordon Moore; Jeff Bennett; Julie Farrell; Katharine Fulton; Wilfred Spring
Subject: fy16 Closed out
Kelli,
Thank you for the end of year BvA. The question we have is are the books for FY16 closed out yet?
Thanks,
Wil
posted by Jeff Bennett
This blog is getting some publicity, via face book by selectmen - thank you.
Perhaps someone is getting nervous with the mention of recall and selectmen in the same sentence. That is merely information and a reminder to folks that if they feel they are not getting what they expect from their selectmen, there are options and recall is one of them. It is a process that takes some effort and time but can be done.
Remember, there are two debt exclusion items for the NRHS district currently on the books for Templeton. Tax rate increases for a certain amount of time for a specific item. The Advisory Committee has been trying to obtain that information for quite some time but the selectmen do not seem to provide that information. Please, someone copy and paste this to their face book page.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Perhaps someone is getting nervous with the mention of recall and selectmen in the same sentence. That is merely information and a reminder to folks that if they feel they are not getting what they expect from their selectmen, there are options and recall is one of them. It is a process that takes some effort and time but can be done.
Remember, there are two debt exclusion items for the NRHS district currently on the books for Templeton. Tax rate increases for a certain amount of time for a specific item. The Advisory Committee has been trying to obtain that information for quite some time but the selectmen do not seem to provide that information. Please, someone copy and paste this to their face book page.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Financial woes continue - after the selectmen kept telling everyone that things were all good.
There is a good possibility that there will be a need for an article to pay some fiscal 2016 Town bills out of fiscal year 2017 money. 60 thousand dollars in sewer bills that might not have been paid. So if there is an article to pay for last years bills with this years funds, do not be surprised. There is always the hope that it is an error and no such boo boo was made.
However, if that is true, that would bring the number up close to the 200 thousand dollar range in sought after dollars to fix that balanced budget presented to you by the selectmen on May 14, 2016.
There is a good possibility that there will be a need for an article to pay some fiscal 2016 Town bills out of fiscal year 2017 money. 60 thousand dollars in sewer bills that might not have been paid. So if there is an article to pay for last years bills with this years funds, do not be surprised. There is always the hope that it is an error and no such boo boo was made.
However, if that is true, that would bring the number up close to the 200 thousand dollar range in sought after dollars to fix that balanced budget presented to you by the selectmen on May 14, 2016.
Face book is not personal, it is very public - deal with it.
Looking at a few face book pages of elected officials, one might be led to believe that there are "personal" and private things on face book and the web in general. It seems rather hard to fathom that in this day with all that is placed on the web, how anyone can claim or think that anything put on the web is private. If you wish no one to "see" or read or copy or put in other places, do not put it on the web, especially face book. Stop whining that someone is using stuff off my personal face book page. If it is on face book, it is very public, deal with it, especially if you are elected!
People take what I write or post on Face Book and paste it on other face book pages and I like it, because it gets the information out to even more people. Last time I checked, there is such a thing as free speech, it is not free, as someone has to pay so you may enjoy that benefit. I paid for it so I will use it. Thank you very much!
posted by Jeff Bennett
Looking at a few face book pages of elected officials, one might be led to believe that there are "personal" and private things on face book and the web in general. It seems rather hard to fathom that in this day with all that is placed on the web, how anyone can claim or think that anything put on the web is private. If you wish no one to "see" or read or copy or put in other places, do not put it on the web, especially face book. Stop whining that someone is using stuff off my personal face book page. If it is on face book, it is very public, deal with it, especially if you are elected!
People take what I write or post on Face Book and paste it on other face book pages and I like it, because it gets the information out to even more people. Last time I checked, there is such a thing as free speech, it is not free, as someone has to pay so you may enjoy that benefit. I paid for it so I will use it. Thank you very much!
posted by Jeff Bennett
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
from the MMA website, which is a good place to check on what is going on that can have an effect cites and towns in different ways.
Fiscal 2016 finances won’t be finalized until the fall, and a first good look at fiscal 2017 will have to wait until early October, when first quarter tax collections can be analyzed.
Concerns about the budget have been increasing even as the state’s economy continues its strong growth, with a low unemployment rate and total employment at an all-time high. According to the July edition of MassBenchmarks, economic growth is expected to continue, although somewhat more slowly, while risks to the pace of growth are expected to increase due to the possibility of both domestic and global economic events.
Currently available numbers for fiscal 2016 show tax growth of only 2.2 percent over fiscal 2015, with total collections running nearly $500 million below the $25.4 billion forecast for the year. In July, Revenue Commissioner Michael Heffernan said the below-expectations finish to the year reflected the impact of volatile stock markets on the investment-related parts of the state income tax.
Some fiscal 2016 budget features remain in doubt, including the amount of any year-end surplus that could be added to the state’s stabilization fund and used for Community Preservation Act distributions. (Section 159 in the fiscal 2017 budget act would transfer one-half of any fiscal 2016 surplus, up to $10 million, to the Community Preservation Trust Fund for distribution.)
The final spending plan for fiscal 2017 approved by the Legislature on June 30 was a pared back version of earlier budget bills due to a more than $600 million reduction in tax projections compared to assumptions that were originally adopted by the governor and Legislature in January. The new lower forecast took into account the weak collections in the spring of 2016, offset in part by the expectation that a slight reduction in the personal income rate, to 5.05 percent, would not be triggered for next Jan. 1.
In signing the budget bill on July 8, Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed $256 million in spending to provide room in the budget to cover possible additional revenue losses. Most of the governor’s vetoes were overridden during the final formal sessions of the Legislature in late July, however, including $3.7 million that had been vetoed from the special education “circuit breaker” account and nearly $220,000 that had been trimmed from the two library aid accounts on the Cherry Sheet.
Written by MMA Legislative Director John Robertson
posted by Jeff Bennett
- August 19, 2016
Fiscal 2016 finances won’t be finalized until the fall, and a first good look at fiscal 2017 will have to wait until early October, when first quarter tax collections can be analyzed.
Concerns about the budget have been increasing even as the state’s economy continues its strong growth, with a low unemployment rate and total employment at an all-time high. According to the July edition of MassBenchmarks, economic growth is expected to continue, although somewhat more slowly, while risks to the pace of growth are expected to increase due to the possibility of both domestic and global economic events.
Currently available numbers for fiscal 2016 show tax growth of only 2.2 percent over fiscal 2015, with total collections running nearly $500 million below the $25.4 billion forecast for the year. In July, Revenue Commissioner Michael Heffernan said the below-expectations finish to the year reflected the impact of volatile stock markets on the investment-related parts of the state income tax.
Some fiscal 2016 budget features remain in doubt, including the amount of any year-end surplus that could be added to the state’s stabilization fund and used for Community Preservation Act distributions. (Section 159 in the fiscal 2017 budget act would transfer one-half of any fiscal 2016 surplus, up to $10 million, to the Community Preservation Trust Fund for distribution.)
The final spending plan for fiscal 2017 approved by the Legislature on June 30 was a pared back version of earlier budget bills due to a more than $600 million reduction in tax projections compared to assumptions that were originally adopted by the governor and Legislature in January. The new lower forecast took into account the weak collections in the spring of 2016, offset in part by the expectation that a slight reduction in the personal income rate, to 5.05 percent, would not be triggered for next Jan. 1.
In signing the budget bill on July 8, Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed $256 million in spending to provide room in the budget to cover possible additional revenue losses. Most of the governor’s vetoes were overridden during the final formal sessions of the Legislature in late July, however, including $3.7 million that had been vetoed from the special education “circuit breaker” account and nearly $220,000 that had been trimmed from the two library aid accounts on the Cherry Sheet.
Written by MMA Legislative Director John Robertson
posted by Jeff Bennett
How things go for a Committee tasked by state law and Town by-law to advise and recommend on financial business of the Town of Templeton. What can a citizen expect if they ask for accountability of their tax dollars. Probably get a good long book and wait, wait for the sound of Silence!
What was received in these emails looks like enterprise fund debt rather than debt of the Town that is on the tax rate, big difference. The big financial team of Templeton should be capable of providing Town debt information fairly easily and quickly.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kelli Pontbriand <accountant@templeton1.org>
Date: Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 7:57 AM
Subject: RE: Debt Exclusions
To: Selectman Caplis <selectmen.caplis@templeton1.org>, Diane Haley Brooks <seldhaleybrooks@templeton1.org>, Doug Morrison <SelDMorrison@templeton1.org>, Julie Richard <SelJRichard@templeton1.org>, John Columbus <SelJColumbus@templeton1.org>
Cc: "Templeton, MA Advisory Board" <templetonadvisoryboard@gmail.com>, Carter Terenzini <townadministrator@templeton1.org>, Beverly Bartolomeo <bartsfarm@comcast.net>, Gordon Moore <GordonGMoore@yahoo.com>, Jeff Bennett <jpb01468@comcast.net>, Julie Farrell <jfarrell59@gmail.com>, Katharine Fulton <fultonkate@hotmail.com>, Wilfred Spring <185wilberdr@gmail.com>
On Aug 11, 2016, at 5:31 PM, Diane Haley Brooks <seldhaleybrooks@templeton1.org> wrote:
What was received in these emails looks like enterprise fund debt rather than debt of the Town that is on the tax rate, big difference. The big financial team of Templeton should be capable of providing Town debt information fairly easily and quickly.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kelli Pontbriand <accountant@templeton1.org>
Date: Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 7:57 AM
Subject: RE: Debt Exclusions
To: Selectman Caplis <selectmen.caplis@templeton1.org>, Diane Haley Brooks <seldhaleybrooks@templeton1.org>, Doug Morrison <SelDMorrison@templeton1.org>, Julie Richard <SelJRichard@templeton1.org>, John Columbus <SelJColumbus@templeton1.org>
Cc: "Templeton, MA Advisory Board" <templetonadvisoryboard@gmail.com>, Carter Terenzini <townadministrator@templeton1.org>, Beverly Bartolomeo <bartsfarm@comcast.net>, Gordon Moore <GordonGMoore@yahoo.com>, Jeff Bennett <jpb01468@comcast.net>, Julie Farrell <jfarrell59@gmail.com>, Katharine Fulton <fultonkate@hotmail.com>, Wilfred Spring <185wilberdr@gmail.com>
Why am I doing the Treasurers work again? DEBT is 100% the treasurer’s job.
I will do my best to get this done today before I leave, but I can’t make any promises. I am in the office one day this week and had my work planned out.
From: Selectman Caplis [mailto:selectmen.caplis@templeton1.org]
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2016 5:53 PM
To: Diane Haley Brooks
Cc: Templeton, MA Advisory Board; Carter Terenzini; Kelli Pontbriand
Subject: Re: Debt Exclusions
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2016 5:53 PM
To: Diane Haley Brooks
Cc: Templeton, MA Advisory Board; Carter Terenzini; Kelli Pontbriand
Subject: Re: Debt Exclusions
Good day all
The accountant will assist and I know it's been a few weeks but a lot is going on just be patient we will get it done. Don't forget the account has day to day operations that need to get done throw in vacations, surgery, death in distant family, a new TA getting caught up to speed ect
As you can see we have limited staff and all department heads have to prioritize the week and day to day operations for the BoS and the TA to track all your request is it possible to go through the BoS office this way we and the TA have visibility of the request and we can track and monitor for our end of year report.
Respectfully
John Caplis
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 11, 2016, at 5:31 PM, Diane Haley Brooks <seldhaleybrooks@templeton1.org> wrote:
I believe that we are in transition again with a new TA, The paperwork for the budget, audit, daily tasks, vacations and Kelli just had surgery and she is working on all the paperwork for the meetings.We have limited manpower as Carter has stated to the BOS and in meetings. I am sure Kelli is working on this.Please can we have some patience as she works through all the challenges we have.My thoughts. Thanks!!
Diane Haley Brooks, RealtorJackie Leger Real Estate362 Elm StreetGardner, MA 01440Direct: 978-430-2751Office: 978-630-3600Fax: 855-276-1049Visit my website! TuesdaysInTempleton.com
On Aug 11, 2016, at 3:14 PM, Templeton, MA Advisory Board <templetonadvisoryboard@gmail.com> wrote:Carter,Can you see what the issue is as to why it is taking so long to get this information.The Advisory Committee requested a list of the present towns Debt exclusions information from the Treasurer/Collector on June 27 and asked for a status on July 28 and have not heard any thing.We would like to know the following1. Reason for the debt2. List the dates they were taken out.3. The length in years they are taken out4. What year will they expire5 What the charges for FY17 budget would be as there was an increase on the FY17 budget document.This information will help in our review of the FY17 budget and also going forward to FY18The DE1 does not contain all of this informationWilTAC Chairman---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Templeton, MA Advisory Board <templetonadvisoryboard@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jul 28, 2016 at 3:12 PM
Subject: Re: Debt Exclusions
To: Treasurer <treasurer@templeton1.org>
Cc: Nodrog here <GordonGMoore@yahoo.com>, Wilfred Spring <185wilberdr@gmail.com>, Kate Fulton <fultonkate@hotmail.com>, Jeff Bennett <jpb01468@comcast.net>, Beverly Bartolomeo <bartsfarm@comcast.net>, Julie Farrell <jfarrell59@gmail.com>, Selectman Caplis <Selectmen.Caplis@templeton1.org>
Kate,Have you made any progress on the 6 debt exclusion (5 permanent and 1 Temporary) in getting the information the Advisory Committee requested last month?WilOn Tue, Jun 28, 2016 at 5:45 AM, Treasurer <treasurer@templeton1.org> wrote:I’ll work on that…Kate MyersTown of TempletonTreasurer/CollectorPH 978.894.2764FAX 978.894.2790From: Templeton, MA Advisory Board [mailto:templetonadvisoryboard@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2016 4:35 PM
To: Town Treasurer
Cc: Nodrog here; Wilfred Spring; Kate Fulton; Jeff Bennett; Beverly Bartolomeo; Julie Farrell
Subject: Debt ExclusionsKate,The Advisory Committee would like a list of the present towns Debt exclusions.1. Reason for the debt2. List the dates they were taken out.3. The length in years they are taken out4. What year will they expireThe DE1 does not contain all of this informationThank You,Wil SpringAdvisory Committee Chairman
No answers yet - when will they come?
From: Robert Markel [mailto:townadministrator@templeton1.org]
Sent: Friday, January 8, 2016 12:29 PM
To: Mark Barrieau; Bartolomeo, Bev; Fulton, Katharine; Greene, Michael; jpb01468; Moore, Gordon; Spring, Wil
Subject: Re: Request from Advisory Board
Sent: Friday, January 8, 2016 12:29 PM
To: Mark Barrieau; Bartolomeo, Bev; Fulton, Katharine; Greene, Michael; jpb01468; Moore, Gordon; Spring, Wil
Subject: Re: Request from Advisory Board
Mark and All-
The most recent update of the Town's debt schedule is attached. There are two charts provided by First Southwest Bank.
We also have a version that was done by Matt Angell which turned out to be inaccurate. Kelli started to update and correct that document last week. It shows interest and principal payments on all debt through 2045. I will forward it to the TAB as soon as I have the update.
Bob
Robert T. Markel
Interim Town Administrator
Town of Templeton
160 Patriots Road
Robert T. Markel
Interim Town Administrator
Town of Templeton
160 Patriots Road
Memory Lane concerning Templeton debt exclusions:
On December 22, 2015 at 5:52 AM Mark Barrieau <mbarrieau@verizon.net> wrote:
Hi Bob,
What is the amount that will come off the tax rate due to expiration of this debt exclusion?
Thanks,
Mark
On Dec 21, 2015 11:37, Robert Markel <townadministrator@templeton1.org> wrote:
FYI: Have learned that the first debt exclusion of $550,000 for school design, authorized in 2010, was not bonded. The Town issued BANs, but used available funds and MSBA reimbursements to pay down the debt. The downside is that this will affect our free cash certification, since using available funds on hand means that money that would ordinarily be certified as free cash was spent.
This is not a disaster, but it will likely reduce free cash by about $209,000.
Bob
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Mary Carney <Mary.Carney@firstsw.com>
To: 'Robert Markel' <townadministrator@templeton1.org>
Cc: "treasurer (treasurer@templeton1.org)" <treasurer@templeton1.org>, "accountant@templeton1.org" <accountant@templeton1.org>
Date: December 15, 2015 at 12:48 PM
Subject: Templeton DebtHi BobThe $550,000 Feasibility loan was never issued as a long term obligation and therefor would not have been included in either of the reports I sent you this morning. The project was financed through the issuance of Bond Anticipation Notes originally issued in 2010. Payments were made against the loan as follows: Reimbursements of $77,495 in June 2011 and $9,000 in November 2012 were received from the Mass School Building Authority and paid against the loan. Principal payments of $148,505 on 11/12/2013 $158,000 on 11/11/2013 and $157,000 on 10/30/2014 (fiscal 2015) were made to finally extinguish the authorization.Thanks,__________________________________Mary Carney
Senior Vice President
First Southwest Company, LLP
direct 508.797.3035 fax 508.797.3096 cell 508.332.0311
255 Park Avenue, 10th Floor, Worcester, MA 01609
Neither First Southwest Company, LLC nor any of its affiliates (collectively, "First Southwest") is responsible for any recommendation, solicitation, offer or agreement or any information about any transactions, customer account or account activity in this communication. Confidential or time-sensitive security-related communications should not be transmitted to First Southwest via the Internet as there can be no assurance of actual or timely delivery, receipt and/or confidentiality. Neither can there be any assurance that messages transmitted by electronic mail will not be corrupted, lost, deleted or modified. First Southwest reserves the right to refrain from processing or executing electronic mail until verification of the information is obtained in another format acceptable to First Southwest.
Bob
Robert T. Markel
Interim Town Administrator
Town of Templeton
160 Patriots Road
East Templeton, MA 01438(978)894-2753
Robert T. Markel
Interim Town Administrator
Town of Templeton
160 Patriots Road
East Templeton, MA 01438(978)894-2753
Monday, August 22, 2016
So ya'll think you are separate over there?
From annual town meeting of 1999.
From annual town meeting of 1999.
Article 18 To
see if the Town will vote to Appropriate a sum of money to repair and repaint
or replace the South Road Water Standpipe, and to authorize the Treasurer, with
the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow any sum appropriated hereunder
pursuant to Chap. 44 of the MGL, as most recently amended, or any other
enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor. Such bonds or notes are expected to be paid
from Water System Enterprise Fund To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a
sum of money to repair and repaint or replace the South Road Water Standpipe,
and to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow
any sum appropriated here under pursuant to Chap. 44 of the MGL, as most
recently amended, or any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes
of the Town therefor. Such bonds or
notes are expected to be paid from Water System Enterprise Fund Revenues, but
nevertheless, shall be general obligations of the Town.
On
a motion duly made and seconded the Town voted to Appropriate the sum of
$190,000.00 to repair and repaint or replace the South Road Water Standpipe,
and to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow
any sum appropriated hereunder pursuant to Chapter 44 of the MGL, as most
recently amended, or any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes
of the Town therefor. Such bonds or
notes are expected to be paid from Water System Enterprise Fund revenues, but
nevertheless, shall be general obligations of the Town.
Passed.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Some debt exclusion information for your reading.
From Annual Town meeting of 2007:
Article 26.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Seventy-One Thousand, Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($371,480.00) for payment of the long-term debt for the expansion and renovation of the Narragansett Regional High School/Narragansett Middle School in accordance with a debt exclusion voted on January 22, 1996, or to take any other action relative thereto.
Submitted by the Narragansett Regional School District Committee
On a motion duly made and seconded the Town voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Seventy-One Thousand, Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($371,480.00) for payment of the long-term debt for the expansion and renovation of the Narragansett Regional High School/Narragansett Middle School in accordance with a debt exclusion voted on January 22, 1996.
Passed Unanimously/May 16th @ 8:46
Article 27.
To see if the Town will vote to approve a Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) borrowing by the Narragansett Regional School District for the purpose of paying costs of replacing roofs at the High School/Middle School Complex, which approval shall be contingent upon a vote of the Town to exclude the amounts required to repay the Town’s share of any such debt from the limitations of Chapter 59, Section 21C of the General Laws, or to take any other action relative thereto.
Submitted by the Narragansett Regional School District Committee
A motion was duly made and seconded to move the question. Passed Unanimously/May 16th @ 8:55 On a motion duly made and seconded the Town voted to approve the Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) borrowing by the Narragansett Regional School District for the purpose of paying costs of replacing roofs at the High School/Middle School Complex, which approval shall be contingent upon a vote of the Town to exclude the amounts required to repay the Town’s share of any such debt from the limitations of Chapter 59, Section 21C of the General Laws.
Passed/May 16th @ 8:55 (MGL chapter 59, section 21c is prop 2 1/2)
Not a debt exclusion but an interesting article:
Article 28.
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the establishment of a Stabilization Fund in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 16G ½, which provides authorization for the Narragansett Regional School District to maintain said fund to include providing for a deposit for the fund in its annual budget and to appropriate from the fund by a two-thirds vote of all of the members of the Regional School District Committee, or to take any other action relative thereto.
Submitted by the Narragansett Regional School District Committee
On a motion duly made and seconded the Town voted to authorize the establishment of a Stabilization Fund in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 16G ½, which provides authorization for the Narragansett Regional School District to maintain said fund to include providing for a deposit for the fund in its annual budget and to appropriate from the fund by a two-thirds vote of all of the members of the Regional School District Committee.
Passed/May 16th @ 9:00
posted by Jeff Bennett
From Annual Town meeting of 2007:
Article 26.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Seventy-One Thousand, Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($371,480.00) for payment of the long-term debt for the expansion and renovation of the Narragansett Regional High School/Narragansett Middle School in accordance with a debt exclusion voted on January 22, 1996, or to take any other action relative thereto.
Submitted by the Narragansett Regional School District Committee
On a motion duly made and seconded the Town voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Seventy-One Thousand, Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($371,480.00) for payment of the long-term debt for the expansion and renovation of the Narragansett Regional High School/Narragansett Middle School in accordance with a debt exclusion voted on January 22, 1996.
Passed Unanimously/May 16th @ 8:46
Article 27.
To see if the Town will vote to approve a Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) borrowing by the Narragansett Regional School District for the purpose of paying costs of replacing roofs at the High School/Middle School Complex, which approval shall be contingent upon a vote of the Town to exclude the amounts required to repay the Town’s share of any such debt from the limitations of Chapter 59, Section 21C of the General Laws, or to take any other action relative thereto.
Submitted by the Narragansett Regional School District Committee
A motion was duly made and seconded to move the question. Passed Unanimously/May 16th @ 8:55 On a motion duly made and seconded the Town voted to approve the Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) borrowing by the Narragansett Regional School District for the purpose of paying costs of replacing roofs at the High School/Middle School Complex, which approval shall be contingent upon a vote of the Town to exclude the amounts required to repay the Town’s share of any such debt from the limitations of Chapter 59, Section 21C of the General Laws.
Passed/May 16th @ 8:55 (MGL chapter 59, section 21c is prop 2 1/2)
Not a debt exclusion but an interesting article:
Article 28.
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the establishment of a Stabilization Fund in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 16G ½, which provides authorization for the Narragansett Regional School District to maintain said fund to include providing for a deposit for the fund in its annual budget and to appropriate from the fund by a two-thirds vote of all of the members of the Regional School District Committee, or to take any other action relative thereto.
Submitted by the Narragansett Regional School District Committee
On a motion duly made and seconded the Town voted to authorize the establishment of a Stabilization Fund in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 16G ½, which provides authorization for the Narragansett Regional School District to maintain said fund to include providing for a deposit for the fund in its annual budget and to appropriate from the fund by a two-thirds vote of all of the members of the Regional School District Committee.
Passed/May 16th @ 9:00
posted by Jeff Bennett
Considering using OPEB money to fix budget goofs. Is that a good idea?
The following comes from the Massachusetts Municipal Association web page.
From The Beacon, Summer 2016
Several years ago, momentum was gathering on the issue of OPEB reform. A special commission had calculated that communities and state government are facing a combined unfunded liability of $46 billion to pay health insurance benefits for their retired employees, a staggering burden that is certainly unaffordable for taxpayers.
In 2014, general awareness of the issue was growing across the country, as taxpayers and elected officials began to recognize the heavy burden that “other post-employment benefits” (the non-pension benefits provided to retirees, consisting mainly of health insurance, commonly known as OPEB) will place on their budgets.
Unlike defined benefit pensions, which are funded using a tightly regulated model adopted by the state in 1988, retiree health benefits are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis. But because the cost of medical care is rising much faster than inflation or local revenues, pay-as-you-go is not sustainable. Unabated, the cost of retiree health insurance will consume a larger and larger share of municipal budgets and will push out spending on vital public services, including education, police and fire protection, road repairs and much more.
Unfortunately, efforts to address the looming crisis through legislation were derailed, as interest groups were able to insert measures that would have maintained the status quo for the next 15 years, deferring any meaningful savings until 2030 and beyond. In addition, the legislative draft would have stripped cities and towns of the only power they hold to control OPEB costs today, by preventing local officials from changing the employer-retiree premium contribution percentages.
The MMA and local officials strongly support providing excellent health benefits for employees and retirees. This benefit offers essential security for public workers and their families, and is an important strategy in recruiting, retaining and rewarding a high-caliber workforce. But without reform, it is very likely that taxpayers will take aim at these benefits and eliminate them, as has happened in many states.
I believe it is time to let selectmen know that when they talk about using OPEB funds to cover their goofs, they would be once again telling a lie to residents/voters. Voters were told at the annual town meeting to they needed to transfer this money from selectmen office expense account to the OPEB fund so the Town could begin saving for these future health care costs.
posted by Jeff Bennett
The following comes from the Massachusetts Municipal Association web page.
From The Beacon, Summer 2016
Several years ago, momentum was gathering on the issue of OPEB reform. A special commission had calculated that communities and state government are facing a combined unfunded liability of $46 billion to pay health insurance benefits for their retired employees, a staggering burden that is certainly unaffordable for taxpayers.
In 2014, general awareness of the issue was growing across the country, as taxpayers and elected officials began to recognize the heavy burden that “other post-employment benefits” (the non-pension benefits provided to retirees, consisting mainly of health insurance, commonly known as OPEB) will place on their budgets.
Unlike defined benefit pensions, which are funded using a tightly regulated model adopted by the state in 1988, retiree health benefits are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis. But because the cost of medical care is rising much faster than inflation or local revenues, pay-as-you-go is not sustainable. Unabated, the cost of retiree health insurance will consume a larger and larger share of municipal budgets and will push out spending on vital public services, including education, police and fire protection, road repairs and much more.
Unfortunately, efforts to address the looming crisis through legislation were derailed, as interest groups were able to insert measures that would have maintained the status quo for the next 15 years, deferring any meaningful savings until 2030 and beyond. In addition, the legislative draft would have stripped cities and towns of the only power they hold to control OPEB costs today, by preventing local officials from changing the employer-retiree premium contribution percentages.
The MMA and local officials strongly support providing excellent health benefits for employees and retirees. This benefit offers essential security for public workers and their families, and is an important strategy in recruiting, retaining and rewarding a high-caliber workforce. But without reform, it is very likely that taxpayers will take aim at these benefits and eliminate them, as has happened in many states.
I believe it is time to let selectmen know that when they talk about using OPEB funds to cover their goofs, they would be once again telling a lie to residents/voters. Voters were told at the annual town meeting to they needed to transfer this money from selectmen office expense account to the OPEB fund so the Town could begin saving for these future health care costs.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Town of Templeton's draft public records requests policy -
The Town of Templeton’s Board of Selectmen has designated the Assistant to the Town Administrator as the Records Custodian for the Town, as she has access to the public records and the knowledge, experience and resources to determine which records are deemed “public” and which records may need to be redacted before release.
I would hope individuals with the knowledge, experience and resources would know where to look for the most current fee schedules so as to not over charge residents who may not know of the latest updates and changes on the book of law for Massachusetts!
The cost for copies of documents is 20¢ per page for photocopies and 50¢ per page for computer printouts.
32.06: Fees for Copies of Public Records
(b) the charge for black and white paper copies or printouts of records shall not exceed 5 cents per page, for both single and double-sided black and white copies; (effective February, 2016)
The Town asks for the public to submit any public records request directly to her.
the Town would like the public to submit their requests on the Public Records Request Form.
The Town can not make you nor are you required to use or fill out any form to request a public record. Anyone may request records directly from the records custodian. The Law does not require any specific format for making a request. Check the web page of the Secretary of State for information on public records.
posted by Jeff Bennett
The Town of Templeton’s Board of Selectmen has designated the Assistant to the Town Administrator as the Records Custodian for the Town, as she has access to the public records and the knowledge, experience and resources to determine which records are deemed “public” and which records may need to be redacted before release.
I would hope individuals with the knowledge, experience and resources would know where to look for the most current fee schedules so as to not over charge residents who may not know of the latest updates and changes on the book of law for Massachusetts!
The cost for copies of documents is 20¢ per page for photocopies and 50¢ per page for computer printouts.
32.06: Fees for Copies of Public Records
(b) the charge for black and white paper copies or printouts of records shall not exceed 5 cents per page, for both single and double-sided black and white copies; (effective February, 2016)
The Town asks for the public to submit any public records request directly to her.
the Town would like the public to submit their requests on the Public Records Request Form.
The Town can not make you nor are you required to use or fill out any form to request a public record. Anyone may request records directly from the records custodian. The Law does not require any specific format for making a request. Check the web page of the Secretary of State for information on public records.
posted by Jeff Bennett
From the Annual Town Meeting of May 15, 2007
Article 26.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Seventy-One Thousand, Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($371,480.00) for payment of the long-term debt for the expansion and renovation of the Narragansett Regional High School/Narragansett Middle School in accordance with a debt exclusion voted on January 22, 1996, or to take any other action relative thereto.
Submitted by the Narragansett Regional School District Committee
On a motion duly made and seconded the Town voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Seventy-One Thousand, Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($371,480.00) for payment of the long-term debt for the expansion and renovation of the Narragansett Regional High School/Narragansett Middle School in accordance with a debt exclusion voted on January 22, 1996.
Passed Unanimously/May 16th @ 8:46
A debt exclusion (Ch. 59 Sec. 21C(j)) raises additional tax revenue to pay debt service costs to finance a capital project, or sometimes to fund a major capital purchase (i.e., a fire engine). The excluded amount, or additional tax, is not specified in the referendum language, but need not equal the anticipated annual debt service obligation in its entirety. A limit on the amount to be raised is initially set in the bond authorization which actually funds the capital project or purchase. It requires a two-thirds vote of town meeting, a town council or city council. The additional property taxes are not permanent, but are removed from the levy when the term of the bond ends.
The document passed out at Town meeting for the new elementary school has it this way;
Costs to Templeton - $24,634,287.00
cost per year at 3.5% - $ 1,406,865.00
less NRHS debt end - $ 438,073.00
Net new debt - $ 968,792.00
annual residential tax $1.74 per thousand
(based on 28 year term at 3.5% interest rate)
box next to it states: based on equal yearly payment amount over 28 years at 3.5% interest. The exact bond amount, interest rate and terms will be determined when the TOWN borrows the money.
Seems the "sale" was the tax rate to come up with the "new" debt amount of $968,792.00, rather than what the tax rate will actually be to cover the entire bond amount.
Seems like there are some used car salesmen serving as selectmen now. One has to wonder how hard would it be to obtain the needed signatures to put a citizens petition before the next Town Meeting, to ask voters if they wish to amend, change or rescind the vote of November 9, 2015.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Article 26.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Seventy-One Thousand, Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($371,480.00) for payment of the long-term debt for the expansion and renovation of the Narragansett Regional High School/Narragansett Middle School in accordance with a debt exclusion voted on January 22, 1996, or to take any other action relative thereto.
Submitted by the Narragansett Regional School District Committee
On a motion duly made and seconded the Town voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Seventy-One Thousand, Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($371,480.00) for payment of the long-term debt for the expansion and renovation of the Narragansett Regional High School/Narragansett Middle School in accordance with a debt exclusion voted on January 22, 1996.
Passed Unanimously/May 16th @ 8:46
A debt exclusion (Ch. 59 Sec. 21C(j)) raises additional tax revenue to pay debt service costs to finance a capital project, or sometimes to fund a major capital purchase (i.e., a fire engine). The excluded amount, or additional tax, is not specified in the referendum language, but need not equal the anticipated annual debt service obligation in its entirety. A limit on the amount to be raised is initially set in the bond authorization which actually funds the capital project or purchase. It requires a two-thirds vote of town meeting, a town council or city council. The additional property taxes are not permanent, but are removed from the levy when the term of the bond ends.
The document passed out at Town meeting for the new elementary school has it this way;
Costs to Templeton - $24,634,287.00
cost per year at 3.5% - $ 1,406,865.00
less NRHS debt end - $ 438,073.00
Net new debt - $ 968,792.00
annual residential tax $1.74 per thousand
(based on 28 year term at 3.5% interest rate)
box next to it states: based on equal yearly payment amount over 28 years at 3.5% interest. The exact bond amount, interest rate and terms will be determined when the TOWN borrows the money.
Seems the "sale" was the tax rate to come up with the "new" debt amount of $968,792.00, rather than what the tax rate will actually be to cover the entire bond amount.
Seems like there are some used car salesmen serving as selectmen now. One has to wonder how hard would it be to obtain the needed signatures to put a citizens petition before the next Town Meeting, to ask voters if they wish to amend, change or rescind the vote of November 9, 2015.
posted by Jeff Bennett
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