Good evening everyone. It is our last rodeo with budgets this week. I'm really excited. Thank you to all the departments and our administration for all your work to getting us to this point. Um let's jump right in. Mr. City Manager. >> Go ahead, Mr. Deputy City Manager.
>> Thank you. Good evening, city council. We are excited to be here for the third and final night of budget hearings. Thank you for having us. I am proud to introduce the city clerk's budget tonight. Uh we'll take parking and the clerk's office together and then if you
have questions, you can direct them to uh the director uh uh city clerk Janette Centron White. Um you'll see a level funded budget in the clerk's office. Um yes, we're on page, you can see it up here on the screen. Um um moving over to
expenses. There was um a slight increase in data processing. These are contractual obligations. We have the census this year, which is what that line item is dedicated to. Um and then you'll also see under salaries that we had a vacancy under our elections
administrator and we are happy to report that uh that position has been filled and we're very excited um with the candidate who took that role and and we'll have smooth elections uh coming up not not in the distant future too distant future. And then I believe we go
to page 247 174. All right. Um, and here you'll see uh no major changes with the exception of uh a reduction in um printing costs,
which you know is because of our switch to our stickerless permit program, which is a great savings for the city. Um, and we also, uh, realized a savings in postage due to the contractor that we're working with there. Um, so, uh, nothing
major to report in this budget. And if you have any questions, we're happy to answer them now. >> Councelor Sagate. >> Hi. Um, I just wanted to say that I loved the I voted contest and I thought that
was really, uh, a great initiative. I loved the winner sticker. Um, anything that we can do to increase the number of voters is great. I I don't know statistically how we fared and if that sticker did it, but I think those
initiatives are really important. Um, so thank you. I I really love that. And I know that one of your goals is to increase voter registration, and I wondered if you had any new ideas for that yet, or >> um, so I I'll update you with some
highlights. So, we had a successful year, election year, and uh recount for district 8. Um, >> our v voter turnout increased from 2023 from 9% to 12 almost 12%. >> What was the first number? >> 9. >> In 2023, it was nine almost 9% and it
increased to 12% almost 12%. Um and uh we intend to uh if we can keep the I voted sticker for each local election going into each local election. That was it was a nice thing. >> Excellent. >> Um for the voter drives we have um we
went to all major Chelsea events and then last year we went to that the private candidate forum um Chelsea High School >> and then we went to some housing summer events. Um, so for this year, I think we're thinking of expanding a bit with
more city hall events, um, and some of the festivals that and and just kind of include those items and and so just so you know, when we have that table, it's voter registration, poll worker applications, try to recruit people, student recruitment, and um, blank
census forms. We try to capture anyone who may not have filled in a census. >> Okay. Um I I know that you are um going to be digitizing more. >> So yes, >> and I wondered um in terms of the goal
of communicating and getting people to um sort of a combination of people knowing what you offer, but also cutting down on foot traffic. I wondered if there was ever I saw a um mobile city clerk and I
wondered if that had ever been anything that you had ever thought of just in terms of killing two birds with one stone as far as getting on the road and getting the services out to people which would advertise what you do and cut down
the foot traffic in city hall. >> That's a wonderful idea, counselor. It's it's it's it's a it's a good idea. So, uh um Revier has one. Oh, they do. >> Ravier has one. Uh and Andover has it at the Massachusetts Municipal Association
conference every year. Exactly. Exactly. It's a huge hit. Um in fact, we we took a tour of of Andover and a visit of Andover uh um maybe a year and a half ago >> and we got a quote for it. Unfortunately, the the the truck is about $300,000.
Um and and the cost at the time just didn't feel like it was it was the best use of our funds. But it is something that we we will consider as a uh um particularly when when our finances are in in a better shape. >> Okay, great. Uh and on to parking.
I I thought that the fully digital permits were I I know it was tricky for the transition, but I think it was the way to go. And I know you wanted to expand outreach for traffic and parking.
Um, and I was at the last meeting and heard that there may be an opportunity at those meetings going forward for public comment and if that was one of the things you were working on.
>> It passed with the traffic and parking commission. So, they'll have a very similar public comment section like your meetings. >> Okay. >> To kind of control the >> Yeah. Oh, sorry. Uh, yes, they approved it at the last meeting. >> Yeah. So, that will be that will be in
the coming in the future meetings. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And that hasn't ever happened before. >> No. >> So, that will be uh an interesting change. >> Yes. >> Thank you for everything you do. So, I know you do a lot of things and I know
from the traffic and parking side with my connection with vision zero and housing and that's um big been a big piece of my work. So, thank you. >> Thank you,
>> Councelor Diaria. Hello, Tanette. Thank you. Um I just want to um highlight a couple things. I do see less lines. Thank you. >> Yes. And I do see less people um um less
angry. So, I appreciate that. That's a big deal. Um, I also want to mention our handicap and and disabled community where um I've helped a couple constituents try to get
handicap plates, handicap um parking poles for their in front of their homes. Uh the process is easy, right? But um what happens when the individual cannot come in to
um city hall? Um I know I went a couple times to to one of our constituents and I helped her fill out the whole thing and and did the whole process. Uh how can the city
facilitate that? um uh for someone who's not techsavvy. >> So we um so some people will send someone in on their behalf.
>> Um we did this year update um the application. We put it online and now it's fillable. >> Um and we also uh from one of the meetings we made it English and Spanish and we attached the regs with it. So everything is there before them. Um so
you can choose to do it online, but we have the forms always available um uh in in person. Uh we do get calls to 311 requesting the application. We mail it to people's homes. Okay. >> Um and we still have fax. And so I say
that because uh doctors will fax us the there's a part where the physician has to fill out and the doctors we we get a lot of those by fax. Okay. Um, but anybody in particular, Elsa will walk them through the entire process. >> No, it was it was a quick, easy, and I was surprised to see how quick the
turnover was to get the poll actually in front of the constituents home. And and I I I was completely surprised on how quick the turnover was. But, um, I just, you know, I always think of those individuals who cannot make it and who are not techsavvy. And then I have a couple constituents who don't have
relatives or, you know, the older folks who can't make it out. And I always think of that community and um but I love how you have different options to to make it. So I will I will be >> Thank you,
>> Councelor Taylor. >> Thank you. Um I've got one question. What constitutes other services? Uh that's how it's labeled, but it's the staffing cost for the contract for the
uh parking enforcement officers. >> That's how it's been >> lab. So there was there was a pretty significant um rise in that. >> Yes. Because >> can can we can we can you please address that uh cost, please?
>> Absolutely. So, so, uh, um, that line, uh, uh, is used to pay for the the park enforcement officers, right? So, is the people that actually >> Oh, I'm well aware. >> Are we issuing those tickets? Uh, um, um, we are mandated by local ordinance
to pay a living wage. So, so, uh, uh, um, it increases every year. Um, it's certified annually. Uh and and that increase is uh um is >> that's a pretty big jump >> entirely from living wage. >> It is. Yeah. Absolutely. >> I mean that's what maybe three times
what other people get >> for for I mean I just that that explanation really doesn't suffice for me. Why is it why is why is there an additional 90 90,000? >> Yeah. Well, so I think the the the
answer is that it's contractual. It's basically our our our uh our services, but we'll get a full breakdown of of of what that line is. It's a it's a legit question here about you know that's a big percentage for so you know I think I
think we deserve an explanation for >> such a high uh uh increase in in that uh you know and and what are we so you know I keep I keep getting phone calls all
the time about the parking enforcement people and I know other counselors do Um, is there how long is the contract for and um are we going to look into other
companies when that contract is finished or or what are we what are we um what are we looking at here? Is there a way to improve? >> Yeah. Yeah. I I'll take that a little bit. Uh um so so uh um we are required by law to uh put out the bid, right? and
and uh um as with any other market uh uh um you know it it's it's saturated a little bit, right? The the company that that uh um handles our our our enforcement uh is SP plus uh it it's a
national company, right? Uh and and they have a a huge presence in Boston. I'm sure you've seen them in in parking garages. Um so they can be really really effective when it comes to to costs, right? So, so uh it it is uh procured
right uh uh in in the right manner. It it uh it has to be procured every three years right and and every three years we we sign a contract with them. Uh um we we they uh the employers the employees report to the company but
we are you know are very involved in in in in the management of the process. Um anytime that there's a complaint about about a uh uh uh parking enforcement officers, we hear it and we investigate it. Uh and and if it if it's legitimate, we take action.
>> Basically boils down to what he said, she said every time. So I mean I I don't know what >> No, and in some cases uh but I mean I say I mean our residents I think you know should should should come first. >> Sure. >> And you know of course they're at fault
some of the time too and you know we we have we know what it's like. Nobody likes getting a ticket and especially if you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing. But but on the other hand, you know, we've heard uh things about people being abusive and things like that. So I, you know, I just I want to I want to
make that or put that out on the record. So you said that we're using ESPI because it's cost-effective, but we had a big big jump in the thing. So I'll I'll I'll wait. I don't want to belabor that. I just I just I'll wait for the uh for the investigation. You
can circle back. >> Absolutely. We'll do that. We'll get back to you. >> Councelor Calvin Brown. >> My apologies. Counselor. Counselor. Nope. Nope. Councelor Recupo. Counselor Raupo. Go ahead. >> Go ahead.
>> You sure? Counselor. >> He's going to come after me later. Go ahead, counselor. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um, vice president. Um, so I got two questions. One, um, first I'll start because we brought up the recount. We we um, there was some conversation
about a recount. Um, last year we had a recount. I was involved in that recount. Um, was can you tell us what was the cost to the city for that recount? I mean, >> I can get you the information. I don't know it off the top of my head.
>> Okay. cuz a lot of the reason why I asked a lot of residents, you know, they they was talking to me about and they was like, "Oh, we didn't know you can have a recount and it didn't cost the city." I told them at some point at somehow it did cost the city, but I just didn't have the figures of what to tell
them. I didn't know how many employees employees that you had to hire and what you what type of salary it was paid on a salary and and so on. So, since we are in the budgeting, I wanted to um try to get an answer for them. So, as I go out
throughout this um summertime and um have some kind of answer. Secondly, we we um started the uh digit digital uh parking >> permits, >> right? >> Digital parking permits. Yeah. >> Permit. So, I like it. I, you know, I
haven't heard a lot, but has there been any negative feedback? I know uh my counselor said the lines have been, you know, shortened. People are doing what you asked them. Have folks found it kind of difficult because they may not have
certain things to get the digital sticker or >> uh No. So, so far um it's getting everyone used to not having a sticker. So, um we have noticed some people have put the receipt on their windshield because I guess um just getting used to
the new process. >> What's the receipt if you can just tell me? I don't know. >> Uh once we process your application, we get a receipt saying that you're active. your sticker is active. Um, but the stickers we've issued to date a little over 15,000. >> Um, and 40 So, uh, last year around this
time we had 36% were online and this time this year, uh, it's 47%. >> So, it's tough. So, people use it. >> And so, what's nice about that, I I don't mean to interrupt you. Um, as soon as we approve you, you're approved. there's no sticker that has to be mailed
to you be physically on the vehicle. Um I think people like doing away with the actual sticker on their car and then the cost benefits that came with that. >> Um but uh I think people just trying to wrap their minds around there's nothing
on the car. How do you know >> what about complaints? Have there been complaints of folks, you know, some folks maybe had their cards rented I mean registered in other folks names and they have to it's just like you know different kind of mechanism they have to
go through to prove that this is their car and it should be registered in Chelsea and so on. So the residential parking stickers uh you need license and registration if you don't have a valid uh mass ID license. We take a utility bill data within the last 60 days. That
doesn't change. The app the application process has been that way uh since um 2013 when it was implemented. So that hasn't changed. >> The only thing digital are the residential parking permits. all the
other permits are still uh physical. Um and that's how we're able to keep an eye on fraud. Um there's something to be said for physical permits. Um and but those are typically on visitor vehicles. And so if you rent a car, you still get
a a temporary pass for 30 days free and you put it in that vehicle. Um until you're done with the rental. Um for example, um we do check everyone. So, if you apply for a residential parking permit, we check to see that the car is registered uh as you as you present it,
right? Um at the registry um and we check you for excise tax and parking tickets and everything is uh consistent. >> What about um last part of the question, what about I own a painting painting company or plumbing company. I do a lot of work in Chelsea. What type of sticker
do they get or required? years ago, I I want to say late 2019 going into 2020, um the council had asked me to review the regs um for any loopholes because our program was still very available to
visitors and so they wanted to tighten up parking and so they had me uh who better than to our office. We we see it day in and day out. Um and so we one of the asks were not to get rid of commercial vehicles. And so we in our
current program we allow for a commercial um sticker. Um so you're the resident. I get to take home a vehicle or I own a vehicle that's commercial. Uh it could be in a business name or my name, but it's one per household. If the
vehicle is registered to a company's name, it's $300 every six months. >> Okay. if it's uh registered to me. It's a commercial vehicle. I obviously use it for work. It's $10 just like a resident uh permit. All other vehicles would have to be on private way. And so it's kind
of a give and take that not all your vehicles are on the street. >> Okay. Um last question. Um regarding the um the company we use for enforcement, um how satisfied are we with them?
Because I understand the raise and you know cost to live and everyone gets that across the board. Um, are they doing the job? Are they meeting whatever your expectation of them are? >> Uh, yeah, I have a very good relationship with them. They um they're
very hardworking. Um, >> I see them very pleasant people out there. Yeah. >> Yeah. Uh, I know um they some of them have relationships with people in this building. Um, you know, some of them have uh two, three jobs. Uh they're very they're I you know whenever I address
something they take it very serious. The supervisor and I speak daily. Um there's two supervisors. Uh and we do speak daily. Anything that comes up in an appeal we address with them. They address it immediately. If there's an issue on the street um it gets reported
to me. Uh have we've written people up? Yes. Have uh people been let go in the past? Yes. Um they usually reveal itself. this job is not, you know, not everyone can do this. It's, you know, not everyone wants to do this. Um, so I I think we have a good a very good
relationship. >> But with the training at the training, they go by the books. They're not standing behind polls trying to say, "Okay, this meter is going to run out." >> No, that's part of the train is no, it's to to keep moving. If they see it's 2 minutes, they have to they have to
continue with their walk when they return because there's certain routes. >> Okay. If it's expired at that time, then they would write the ticket. >> Okay. Sound like they're doing a good job. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Now, we save the less for the the best for last. Of course, councelor
Rubbero, >> your mic, counselor, >> for you to clarify what councelor Tenaria said about the placket, the disabled placket. Once a person, this is what the I want the public to understand because there seems to be issues and I'm going to explain
and I want you to say if I'm right or wrong. Once you get that placket and the pole is installed in front of your house, that doesn't mean that poll is yours because you applied for it. This is that seems to be issues with people thinking that they own that poll.
So I want you to tell them exactly that if you get that poll that does not give you the right to say it's your poll because you applied for it. That poll is entitled to anybody because there's been issues and people have been fighting over those polls. I people have told me
that some of them got their tires stabbed because they put there because the people that own these polls think that they they apply. They think it's theirs. So that's one thing. Explain to them if this is true or not. Uh so correct. So legally uh you can apply for a handicap sign. It does not belong to
you. Um it's anyone who displays uh with a registration their vehic their plate or the placard can park in that um designated space. We do just so you know when we do get complaints in the neighborhood we will mail out a letter
very specific letter to the applicant explaining that. Uh we have gone beyond that and involved uh Chelsea police. They have a community person to kind of do outreach and just educate people um because we don't want neighbors uh to
you know have conflict. Uh but yes uh we do address it. We do send out letters um even if someone puts a cone in it. We we talk we're always in talks with DPW. We send someone out. We send them a letter for that. Um, so we we we're very aware
that that space um needs to be shared. Um, but also uh we're always on top of those spaces because when somebody moves, we want to if we have to remove it because we want to return the space back to its neighborhood because parking is at a premium. >> Oh, thank you for clarifying that
because there been issues of it. So I like you just said you are real yourself. So you must have complaints where people are doing this and they are actually doing it. The next question involves sort of the same thing. I want people to understand when you apply for
a placket for your handicap spot. You have to consider one thing. It's harder for you to get one if you have a driveway. So, this is what you got to remember because sometimes I've been to those meetings and I seen people sometimes be denied because they have a place to
park. So, if you have a place to park and it's there, right, it's going to you might get it. Nobody can deny you for it, but it may be a little more difficult for you to get because you have a place to park. So, I'm not saying you cannot get it. I'm just telling you
that there could be one of the factors to make you a little harder for you to get. And I don't know if >> you can't say that it is or it's not, but I've been to those meetings and I've seen how they do it. And sometimes they consider if you have a driveway. I'm not
saying that that's the whole thing that they do. But I want the public to understand that too that sometimes they use that as a factor. But nobody could be denied. No one could be denied. That's I'm not telling you that you could be denied. I'm telling you that nobody could be denied. But certain factors contribute to you getting it.
That's all I'm trying to explain to you. >> Thank you, counselor. >> Was that >> Yeah, that's one question. Am I li Can I ask another question? >> Go ahead, counselor. >> Okay. Here's another one I'm going to tell you. I don't And the city parking
Janette can tell you. I've seen on vans these license readers. They install license readers on these parking enforcement vans cuz I seen two of them. So, is that the way now you get them? So let me and a question that
people have asking me and I'm going to ask you on those license readers when people come you know those peoples and read it do they check also if that car is registered or not? >> Um the only thing is checking is is uh is that license plate the is that
license plate have a parking permit. That is the only thing that is checking. >> Okay. Thank you for clarifying that because people have asked me and I've seen those things so they don't want to make sure you know they're saying what if I forgot to put my sticker on the car are they going to tow my car they so
thank you for clarifying that it's always nice for the people to understand that way there wouldn't be no complaints to you and like I don't think they know that the cars already have license readers. Did you tell the public that they have them? >> Yes, I believe we didn't. But
>> well that doesn't matter. And now you're telling them now if they're watching they can see it. >> All right. And then there's another question I want to ask you. Uh when it's if you get a complaint, right, like
I know we went back to it. If you get a complaint, not from parking for people in your department, let's say, right, >> that are being not nice to other people or they're not informative to them. They're not exactly making them understand, right?
What do you do? Do they come to you and uh does any of them ever come to you to address that issue? >> Um we we train people as much as possible, right? Uh if it's something that is a a recurring issue, right? Then
then uh uh um our human resources department will step in. Uh but but as much as possible, we like to train people a and uh uh and show them the right way of doing things. >> Yeah. That's I'm not saying that your
department is doing that. What I'm saying is if people might you know what I mean? Some of them sometimes might think that that's the way it is. They have no options and they have no other options. What I'm trying to say if you feel that something like that has happened to you. You always have an
option. You can always go to the department head or some other way and you have an option >> 100%. Uh um I I welcome any resident that that has a uh uh any negative interaction with any municipal employee to uh
>> come and let me know and I'm only saying that not because your department has gotten complaints. I'm saying about any department, not just yours, any of them. Because sometimes I got people asking me questions, not just not from Janette department, from the whole thing. So
since I'm here asking this question, >> it has nothing it does no reflection on you, Janette. It's got nothing to do with you. It has to do with the building itself. If anybody has any complaint about anything, there's always a solution. You don't have to go and think that nobody's going to help you.
>> That's why I'm saying that that I want to put that to bed, you know, because people get that idea sometimes that there's nothing. They say, "Oh, well, I go there, it going to help me. They ain't going to do nothing." But it's not. So, our city tries to help everybody. And our city is understanding towards the population that's here. And
regardless, >> huh? >> I just wanted to check to see if you have another question. We're at time, but I want to make sure Taylor gets his question in as well. >> Okay. What then? Wait a minute. Are we going to go on time limits? >> I'm trying to keep us as close as possible to the agenda. Sir, do you have another question?
>> Yes. Why is the food went up $3,000? That that's for the the what is that for the workers? >> The pole workers. >> So the food went up that much from one year to the other. >> We've never fed them before. So this was the first time. So it went over very
well. Um we fed them uh lunch and dinner. Um and it, you know, it was just to show them, you know, they they all said they felt the love. >> Understand? I was just wondering because I've never seen it. That's the first time I seen and I said that must be for the pole workers. That's a nice thing to
do. >> Yes, >> that's very well commended. And uh >> any other questions, counselor? >> Yes, >> of course. Yes. >> Uh the rent lease machine, it didn't go up. So we don't we're not renting anything. Are you keeping within the same rental lease building equipment?
>> Our copier is the same. The it's contractual and so that's >> So you didn't increase. Well, that's good. I got no more questions. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Taylor. >> So, this is just to clarify something
that I didn't quite understand about that whole thing. >> So, I understand that the the handicap polls do not belong to the people that live right there. But does that mean that say somebody from Boston who has a handicap placard
for Boston can come into Chelsea and park during any time except between midnight and 5 and and and park in that spot. Right. >> So yes. So in Massachusetts we actually recognize uh other states um >> and other states
>> and other states. And so as long >> so anybody with one of those things hanging on their mirror >> as long as it's valid. Okay. Um yes. That's >> excuse me. There's one statement. >> Councelor Counselor, >> it is not your time and councelor Taylor is still on the mic. >> All right. All right. Please turn off
your mic, counselor. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um what what the only other question I have is is um about the uh about the dog licenses. Are we still seeing an
increase in the registration in the dog registrations? Do you do you know off the top of your head? Uh >> I I can get back to you. We work with a dog officer on those. >> The only the only reason why I ask is because I I I see and talk to
new people all the time when I'm walking my own dog. And and um you know, it just seems like to me anecdotally that there's a lot more dogs in Chelsea. And I just want to want to make sure that we're, you know, staying
on top of getting people to register their dogs. That's all. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. That's all I have. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Robinson. >> Just a quick question for when city hall is closed and when I
have visitors come to my house at 10:00 at night and they're going to spend the night, they normally end up getting a ticket. So, have we figured out a way how to address. >> No, we haven't. Um,
there was ideas in the past of like a phone call, but there's no way to share it to our system. Um, and so I can look into it more. where we are in a contract but um we looked when Ned was here we looked
into that in the past and somehow it's just at what time is the cut off for the data to be shared to the LPR and that we haven't figured that part out where if we could figure that part out um they don't talk in that way it's a download that happens at a certain hour and then
that's how we're able to enforce >> all right thank you >> council member Cooper Is it a question or a statement? >> Okay, you'll have the floor. >> So, if you have a visitor like Mr.
Robinson just said, right, and it comes, right? And then they get a ticket that do they how do they come? They can come to you and you will get rid of the ticket if they prove they were here as a visitor. >> They appeal they can appeal it online, in person, or by mail. Um, and then every every situation is different.
>> Uh, explain to me. I don't get it. What do you mean by every situation is different? >> We'll have someone who parked in Chelsea just to go into Boston to use our bus and train um services that are out of Chelsea and so um they're not really visiting someone. Um so every scenar you
could be visiting someone, you could just be in Chelsea. Um some people leave their cars here when they go to the airport not realizing we have an overnight program. Uh they just knew somebody in Chelsea. So there's different scenar I see everything with the appeals. I understand what you're
saying. So, what what would be a way for us to make sure that that doesn't happen? Is there any way for us, let's say, because some people might come, you know what I mean, and they're legally here and then they really can't, you know, what is there a way to make sure that that doesn't somebody that's
supposed to be here doesn't fall in that particular scenario? >> Well, we we've been working more with the communications team. We could do some kind of like PSA, like a notice to everyone about, hey, you know, these are available to you, these visitor passes. Um, we typically have the same customers
with visitor passes. You'd be surprised how many people choose not to purchase them because they say they don't have guests past midnight. Um, but we can do something around that. >> And and the last thing, can they purchase it in advance? >> Yes, absolutely. That's what I want the
people to know that you don't have to pray. If you expecting a guest to come to your house, you don't have to wait until Friday. You can get it the day before or two days before. Thank you. Oh, and something else. One one and there's one state that does not recognize
a placket. One state in this country, if you have a plaque does not recognize it, will give you a ticket. You know what state that is? The state of New York. Thank you, counselor. Uh, Gina, thank you so much for all you do.
>> We are ready to move on to the next department. Gracias. >> Thank you, Janette. >> Um, so we'll do the legislative budget next. Um, page, uh, hold down a second. There you go. Now
I'm old. Page 60. Um page 60 for legislative um the legislative budget. Um the salaries are increasing uh um uh based on uh uh on cola increases. Um the
professional and technical services uh has has a large increase, but it is because uh we pay for the city's audit out of your budget. Um, and the idea is is that uh if it's um uh if it's paid out of your budget, then then you it's
more transparent, right? And and it's not paid out of my budget, that that creates maybe a a a perception of of of uh of collusion maybe. Um we did reduce the the legal services line to offset that that uh that cost. Uh but of course
if if that legal services line or fund was ever needed, we would supplement it uh with with uh a mid-year request. >> Any questions? >> All right, seeing no questions, moving right along. >> Thank you. >> Oh, hold on one second. Councelor
Robinson >> on the um professional technical services in regards to the audit. We normally in the past have ran the audit as opposed to coming you organizing the
audit >> and us participating. So we normally would be the ones to call for the audit would all get together. And what has changed that now that you seem to take charge of doing the audit?
>> Yeah. The the um this is funded out of your budget for that reason, counselor. So that that the um the the city council uh as the oversight body, right, is the one that is paying the bill uh and is being responsible for the audit. the the
the audit uh um is being done by by uh uh an external an external party that that uh puts us through the ringer, right? Uh uh and and I believe for the last 26 years, the audit has been
completed on time and with no deficiencies. And in fact, the the the FY25 audit was shared with the city council just a couple of weeks ago and and and found uh no issues. Uh and in in this audit um they are also auditing any
federal grants, which as you know is going to be a big deal as we wrap up >> ARPA. >> Okay. >> Yeah, that's fine. >> All right. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Taylor,
>> Mr. City Manager, can you um answer me a question in the other um departments throughout city hall? Um how is is there is is pay ever affected by
attendance or lack thereof? It depends on the position. Um um most positions are contractual and unionized. Um department heads are exempt, right?
So as in not union um and and obviously have a different process, right? Uh um we most contracts have have a have a sick uh leave bonus. So if you show up to work, you get a bonus, right? uh if
if you don't show up to work, then it's discipline. So So it's handled through the >> discipline process. >> So So I'm just I'm just curious. I mean, sometimes we have a we have an attendance problem here at the city council. >> Oh.
>> So So is there is there is it I'm not sure how that works. Is it is it would it be legal to to tie some of the pay to attendance or or
h is something like that possible or or no? >> I I would prefer not to weigh into the pay of the city council >> personally. Councelor, I if you have any questions, I think those questions could >> I think that's a totally legitimate question. I mean, what
>> I don't think it's appropriate for this type of conversation. I think if you have that question, you can definitely address it with our department. Listen, I absolutely disagree and I think that if we are talking about how
much money is being spent in here and so I'm I'm I'm asking and you know this is not something that needs to be talked about in private. This is a this is a this is a public issue that has to do with with spending
>> uh in the budget. >> Perfectly fine with that. So, so, so I think that at least I am entitled whether the city manager wants to I I'm asking if something is possible. >> The city manager does not control whether a counselor gets a higher pay or
not, which is why I would that is not my question. >> So, his opinion is not my question. >> Again, every person who sits in this body is elected by the people of Chelsea. >> That is correct. If you have questions regarding whether someone should get paid or not, then that is a conversation
that you can have with anyone. However, >> who would I have it with? >> However, in this setting, as we speak with the city manager about the legislative department, it is not the city manager's job to increase or decrease city council's pay. >> I didn't say that it was. And I'm not
asking him to pronounce judgment if if if it should happen or if it shouldn't. I am asking, you know, I maybe I should have asked the city solicitor last night. >> That would have been great. >> But but but I'll tell you something that
I think that I I think it's um I I understand that everybody, you know, has times when when they're sick or when they're whatever it is. But I but I think when when when somebody's getting paid and they don't
show up to their job, that's a problem. And so and so I I will follow up with the city solicitor on this, but I but I do but but but but but I do not appreciate trying to be shut off when when I'm trying to bring up an important
um uh aspect in in a public forum. So >> with all due respect, counselor, I think that you are welcome to have that conversation. I think that the reason I interrupted you was to ensure that the public understands that the city manager does not have the authority to increase
or decre decrease any council. >> No one said that he did. >> Well, the way that you were asking the question framed it in that way. So, just to clarify and then I'm going to transition to any other counselor who has questions regarding the legislative department.
>> Seeing no questions. >> All right. See that? >> Thank you. Thank you, city manager. >> This interaction >> again, we're going to move on to the next question. I think that these
comments and statements are welcome in another setting in front of the public in any type of arena that any counselor here would like. However, we are here talking about budgets and so I would like to continue on to the next section which I believe is auditing
>> or city manager city manager. You are on >> next one. Yes, next one. Uh uh city manager page 62. Page 62. Um uh there are two components of of the city manager's budget. Expenses uh and salary. Salary is is going up uh uh
6.92% and and that is all uh contractual salaries. uh increases on the expenses. Uh it is flat. Um the the headcount uh uh in in the uh the department uh uh is the same has remained the same uh and
and has been consistent uh uh since uh um uh the start of this administration. >> Thank you, city manager. Any questions? >> Councelor Stan. >> I just have a few comments. Um,
I loved the All-America City initiative and I love that we're going again and I thought that the leaders breakfasts are a really nice addition to community engagement and uh upcoming goals, the civic
leadership academy sounds fantastic. Um, I'm really glad to see that something like that is going to be available. So, um I look forward to seeing what your curriculum is and hoping, you know, if if we have things
to learn, we can we come. >> We're excited that you're excited. Uh this is a tool that many communities are using across the Commonwealth to educate residents on their form of government. And I was uh watching a webinar provided
by the Mass Municipal Association and there were four really diverse communities that had implemented these. They started as citizensmies out of police departments. Um, and that was just a tool to educate residents on how police departments operate, kind of break down some of the misconceptions,
build trust in the community and uh, communities themselves started adopting them so that residents could learn about all the various work that uh, the municipal departments do. And while some residents can do that by watching these budget hearings and and learning, that's
not always what someone wants to do on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday night. So, this is a a multi-week program. Each week is dedicated to one to three departments and we're getting them out at the DPW yard. We're bringing them to central fire. We're having them um down
in the finance office to kind of like see what these processes are, learn what an assessor actually does. Um, and we're opening up applications in July. People will be able to apply for the program. Right now, we're going to accept probably 20 residents for our first uh
course. And at the end of the program, this is going to be on Thursday evenings. We'll provide dinner. They'll meet with the departments. Uh, there will be a little graduation ceremony and and we're looking forward to using this as an opportunity to feed some of our board and commission vacancies and
really like build another uh avenue for civic engagement. And once people learn about us, I'm hoping that they'll just catch the bug and want to be even more involved. Um, but it's also just a great way not only to educate residents, but also get them to be more involved.
>> Yeah, I I see great potential, too, knowing um that we've been invited ourselves to some of the schools in terms of their trying to boost their civic education. So, that's great. And hopefully those programs will be the
feeders for your program too because the little ones love to learn about how the government works. >> We want them all. >> Councelor Garcia, >> I love this initiative. Um, one because I worked here for six years at the
treasurer uh at Treasury and I had no idea what the assessors did for like a good year and a half until I connected the dots myself, right? um we are robots when we start working and we forget that everything is a web
here and we should be connected. So, I love how this team is making these connections and creating this beautiful Google map for for the city, our residents and and even us as council uh to know how everything navigates and
everything works and you know the softwares that we have been implementing with this new um this new leadership um initiative that you're starting. This is amazing because not only will this uh
motivate our residents to maybe apply for future jobs here, but at the same time be part of our boards and and learn and get excited about what we do here as a team in city hall. So, I appreciate
that and and I wish I had that back in the day, but yes, thank you, >> councelor. >> Madam Vice President, I just want to say thank you for doing that. Um we've been invited to a few different initiatives around uh um the city government here,
different departments I've actually been to. Um and it's interesting when you go and you listen and you learn from others, you know, behavior, conversation, work habits, and those things are very important and you know, we're picking up a lot of great things.
And again, you see the youth here, we we include them and embrace them and and Garcia is right. Um, councelor Garcia is right. Maybe that's a way to, you know, um, motivate them to get involved and make an impact in their city and even
apply for a job here. So, I appreciate the consideration, the efforts, and again, um, I've been to a few. So I think um councelor Sanade and myself have been to a few here and they're very informative and you know it's sometime it's 12 in the afternoon to two but it's
your time you make you you dedicate that time you learn and you honestly feel how other folks are you know dealing with personalities and conversations in their um in their um respected workplaces. And when you have folks and city councilors
and other members from the community engaging, it makes it a little more easier to open up with them when you break them out into sessions. So, it's really good. I appreciate that. Thank you. >> Yes. Uh, councelor San. >> Also, the other added added benefit and I know um from having been in the class
for the citizens police academy in 2011 are the other residents that you meet that are also learning and growing. Those are friends I met then that are still good friends now. and many of them have um gone on to do things on boards
and commissions etc. So that's great too. >> Yes. On on your goal of generating a 15% increase in new growth. Can you share your possibilities how you're going to approach that? We are going to claw, beg, and I was
going to say steal, but but maybe maybe maybe attract a business from our neighbors. Um, just today we had a a uh exciting exciting tour, and I'm going to let let let Bob Paul tell you about it.
Well, Fidel Fidel did most of the work in selling the city, but we were able to uh invite a development team down from a large uh developer here in Boston that's done a lot of different projects. Uh we drove them around in the car, showed them a bunch of available development
sites. Um showed them what was going on in West Chelsea, showed them how close it was to the new soccer stadium and everything and and all the housing on Veil Street. And I got to say they they seem pretty excited about the possibility of investing in Chelsea. Um
this is the second or third of these that we've sort of in invited in. And uh I can say that we definitely are being put on more developers radar screens uh with some of these tours. And again, Fidel does a really good job of selling uh selling the city to them. We they
were excited about what was going on in downtown and just couldn't believe the potential that we have. Broadway um for the future and you know these type of visits are things that we want to continue to do and you know just I think once people get here and see what what
the city has to offer um these are folks that develop in Boston in the suburbs and maybe never considered Chelsea and I think that we've we've through Fidel's efforts we've been able to you know put Chelsea on their radar screen I think that you know they'll be looking for
parcels now they know that they have a connection to the city manager and they know that the city wants good development and it was actually pretty exciting. They were taking pictures and you know asking a lot of questions about the different sites. So, you know, it was a small baby step, but you know, I
think it it goes a long way and we're just going to continue to try to generate uh interest in the city from some folks that maybe have never had an opportunity to come down here or considering consider developing here. So >> um and it's something obviously that
that Jay Ash did on a regular basis right it's inviting in it's creating access it's having a conversation and connections right uh a lot of the these parcels we do not own so so what we can do is is facilitate but everyone that
I've met has says you have to change your zoning you have to change your zoning so it doesn't matter how many tours I give it doesn't matter how much I tell them that we are ready if if if if the zoning is not allowing for these
things to happen. So there are a a few very important votes that are hopefully coming before the council in the next 30 days and and what I ask uh of the council is is to please be a partner in in this process. Right? The the we have
to create an environment where 15% is is is is something uh we we crush every year, right? that this is the lowest new growth that we have had in a decade. It it is embarrassing that Chelsea has $1 million in new growth. Uh uh uh just
three years ago uh uh we we had four times that amount, right? Uh uh and when we look at what's going on in our neighbors in Everett uh in River, the the uh um they are not having the same budget conversations we are and it is
for one reason only. And our senator said this, it is because of new growth >> and I well and that's very important that we do have new growth and it's being able to sell it to the whole city and not just a segment of the community
and that's where the that's where our struggle seems to be. I think that's what we need to be paying attention to. >> Thank you, councelor. Counselor Senate. Yeah, I just had a question about that as far as I think it's great that you are out there doing that, but that's not
your full-time profession. And have you ever solicited people whose job it is to do that? Like what's is there a team of people that work for the city that go out to do that? Or even
a commercial real estate star? Like where are those people? of those people um tools we need to embrace. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. Absolutely. And and I think we spent a lot of time on Monday
uh uh in in uh in Ben's department, right? That when we were talking about about their budget, uh uh Ben came with me to reading and his title was economic development director, right? And that is all he did. He he he didn't focus on on uh inclusionary zoning or or or uh on
mass works grants or on blue bikes or anything else. So so it it is very important that that right now in this time of need we we focus on that but then also back up with the resources that are necessary in order to make that
investment. A and I I I uh uh I have shared Charlie as our example, right? When when when the council said uh uh we have to focus on sports, right? That and and the council said uh uh if you don't staff it, if you don't track it, it's
not going to get done. And we did. And and I hope that that we all appreciate as a community that that what what Charlie has been able to do with in in that sports world has been truly transformational. Uh and and he has brought in grants. He has brought in leagues. I don't think that you've
you've received a complaint about sports in the year and a half that he's been here. And and I heard you loud and clear on Monday. I will take action on this immediately that that we need to make uh have drastic change with regards to our
uh our staffing around economic development. >> All right. Thank you, city manager. Moving on to auditing. >> Uh thank you, Madame Vice President. Uh the next budget up for review is the auditing department, uh which maintains
the city's ledges and >> Oh, my apologies. Could you share the um the page number, please? >> Oh, I'm sorry. 67 67. >> Thank you, Madam Vice President. Uh so the auditing department maintains the city's ledges and handles all the
accounting services activity in the city. Uh this is another office that is very heavily regulated by state and federal law as well as the state department of revenue. Uh they process all the city and schools accounts payable and they manage the city's annual audit. Uh they process the city's
1099 tax filings and submit a variety of reports uh to regul regulatory agencies. Uh most notably the city's tax rate and free cash submissions. On the salary side of this budget, the increase is is due uh only to
contractual obligations. Uh we did have one additional person in this office uh that was funded through ARPA and he was set to expire uh off the payroll in December. Uh that employee uh thankfully was able to find a job in another
community. Uh we are not requesting that the council fill that position at this time. Uh on the expense side of the budget, uh we are level funded with no increase and our city auditor uh Soetto is here to answer any questions that the council may have.
>> Thank you. >> Councelor Councelor Garcia. >> Hi. I know that um with the ARPA funds obviously like you mentioned you um you lost personnel and in the department
uh do you feel like you're missing um that individual for that extra work? Do you feel overwhelmed with work? Uh so that person dealt a lot with um like
paperwork and filing as main responsibility was also to review the ARPA payment requests that came through. With ARPA winding down, um it became less of a need for that role. In addition, we're working towards what we're calling AP decentralization. So, in the short term, we are feeling a
tight squeeze. But our hope is that as we decentralize, which means that departments are keying in their own invoices into our general ledger system, that that frees up more time for our accounts payable specialist who is sitting behind me. Um and then that way
we can focus on more um of our operational items and and creating greater efficiencies there. >> Okay. All right. Thank you, >> Councelor Sanicate. I I read everything in auditing a few
times and it's still still not my strength as far as deciphering, but I do know I see for the 27th consecutive year you've done something special. So, congratulations. >> Um I I it's just not my knowledge base,
but um >> thank you for your hard work all of you. >> It is a lot of hard work and effort and I have a great team behind me um supporting all the way through. >> Councelor Brown, >> thank you. I just want to say great job. Um, thank you for your dedication. All
of you than the newcomer moving into a different division, but every time I've had problems or questions regarding paperwork. Um, you folks have always been right there. Um, I've come in. Um, you've taken time. You explained it to
me and helped me get it shaped. And I believe the last two years I haven't spoken to you because everything is still running smoothly. So I'm still on the payroll here, still taking out what I want out of my um check. Um but it's because you folks gave me solid um
understanding of what was going on and what I needed to do. So thank you again. And you've been here for such long times, both of you and yourself. And just appreciate your dedication. Thank you. >> Thank you. And our doors are always open. Feel free to stop by anytime.
All right, seeing no other questions, thank you so much. Thank you, counselors. All right, on to budget and grant administration. >> Uh, page 72. >> Thank you. >> Uh, thank you, Madam Vice President. Uh, the next budget for review is the
budget and grant administration office. Uh, this office does a majority of the behindthe-scenes work in preparing the city budget. Uh they work with all departments uh on federal grants to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations. Sorry, all
grants. Uh they work closely with the auditor's office to monitor and resolve any shortfalls in city budgets. Uh the budget department plays a key role in monitoring our opera funds and more recently uh has taken responsibility for our opera reporting to the federal
government. Uh there are no changes in staffing for this uh department and the increase to the salary budget is a result of contractual obligations only. Uh the operating budget is level funded with no increase. Uh just as a heads up for the FY28 budget uh we currently have
uh part of the director's salary funded through opera until December. Uh so we will need to absorb that uh during the fiscal year 28 budget uh into the city budget. Uh we have our director of the department uh Ed Dunn here to answer any questions the council may have.
>> Thank you councelor Sanigan. >> Hi Ed. Um >> good evening. I was just looking at your goal, one of your goals for 2027, which was to review the departmental policies and procedures on operations in
order to identify and address any need for procedural change. Yes. And I thought that was um a great goal that you're just not not um resting on your laurels and trying to improve. So,
>> thank you. I appreciate that. This is a a a new initiative for us to review grants uh in the past. Uh it had been in auditing and spread out a little bit more. But now we have the ability with
one of my co-workers, Alicia Ariana, >> who's a very dedicated individual, very hardworking and invaluable to the department. She has grant experience having come over from the school department and um she's able to help me
a lot to review the grants. We're we're managing our grants. We're looking at things that we need to change on reimbursements and on tracking and making sure the performance periods are met and the reporting is done the way they need to be. >> That's great.
>> Thank you. Seeing no other questions. Thank you so much, Ed. >> Thank you. >> All right, moving on to debt services. >> Uh page 245, uh debt service, principal and interest. Uh thank you, councilors.
Next up is uh debt principal and interest. Uh these budgets are used to pay the city's long-term and short-term debt obligations annually. So it's like the city's mortgage payment. Uh we don't really have a lot of choice of whether or not to pay this budget. Uh the city's bond rating uh is listed as doublea
stable uh by standard and pores uh which is an excellent credit rating for a gateway city. It's actually the same rating as the United States of America. So uh we're really uh doing very well as when the outside world looks at us, they see us as very creditworthy. And uh
again that's the debt principle and interest budget. Happy to answer any questions. All right. Any questions? No. All righty. Thank you, Paul. >> Page 251, uh, leases. Uh, this budget is used to account for the lease purchase
of the city's battery storage project. >> So, yeah. So this this was a a a single project that uh um we took on uh I believe the council approved it in 2021 2022 uh and and it's part of our micro grid process. Uh it included three
components. One was solar panels in the city yard which have been launched and and are creating a a good amount of power that is essentially uh uh being absorbed into the savings of of of the city's accounts. Uh um the second project was a battery system here in
city hall. And if you notice the trench that is in the parking lot uh and and the pad that is right next to our generator, the batteries are here. So So it's here. Uh um we are scheduling a a a cutoff basically like a a a a power turnoff, a connection that is going to
happen in the next few weeks. Uh and the third component of it is going to be exactly what happened here in city hall but at our police station. And the the idea is is to save money. uh um especially as rising costs are happening, right? Uh uh these these kind of projects are going to have better
paybacks now that that uh electricity and and and gas is more expensive. Um we we estimate we're going to save around $300,000 a year. Obviously, it's an estimate. It's an estimate. So, I will let you know when uh when it happens, but but with that, it's really good
payback, especially when when uh prices are high. All right, seeing no questions, moving right along. >> Uh, page 253, budget reserve funds. Uh, these are funds that are set aside for
unforeseen expenditures and potential liabilities from unsettled uh, collective bargaining agreements. So, it's a fund of money we set aside for contracts that have not been settled yet. Uh, in the event that we come to an agreement, Seeing no questions, we'll move right
along. >> Page 252 into fund transfers. Uh this line of the budget uh represents a transfer to fund the city's obligations under the enterprise lease. Uh city manager made some modifications to that lease mid year and we uh needed to
provide a supplement uh in the current fiscal year. Uh we will also have to do that uh for next year as well. the the changes came in too late to update this year's budget and for the following year we'll include it in the budget. Uh but just a reminder to the council over the
past several years um this agreement with Enterprise has brought in close to $20 million a year in excise tax uh annually uh to the city uh they are by far our largest taxpayer in most communities. The largest taxpayer is a property taxpayer but in Chelsea here
it's a a motor vehicle excise taxpayer and uh you know they're really responsible for a lot of the financial flexibility that the city's been able to build up uh through that lease. So, this line of budget funds our obligations. We reimburse them for maintenance to the city's property, etc., etc.
>> All right, moving right along. >> Uh page 244, regional schools. Uh this is another bill that we we we don't have much say over. Uh this is our assessment from primarily on Northeast Regional School. vocational school and there's a
small portion of that for uh Chelsea students that go to Essex uh agricultural uh school uh for their vocational program. So we receive a bill based upon the number of students amongst other things. >> Seeing no questions,
>> we can move right along. >> Uh page 248 is the city's uh retirement contributions. Uh this is the amount that uh the city owes on an annual basis um for city and school employees who are uh um are involved in the retirement
program for for the city. Um it covers just about every city employee who works at least 20 hours uh except for um teachers. They have a separate retirement system. Uh this is again a um a an assessment. We don't really have a
lot of say in it. And this is the amount that we have to provide on an annual basis. Uh the retirement system is doing uh very well in terms of being funded. Uh so uh we're looking forward to uh continue to work with them. It provides a great benefit to our retirees when they retire and uh it really is a great
system all around. >> Seeing no questions, moving on. Oh, go ahead, Councelor Taylor. So, just correct me if I'm wrong, but we have been we've been trying to pay
down this this fund, right? And it looks like looks like we have over a half half a million dollars. Are we continuing to like chip chip away at that as as as time goes on? And we've
I know we made some structural >> changes before your tenure, but th that's all kind of kicking in now. And this is why we're seeing these these savings. >> Absolutely right. Uh uh Chelsea Chelsea's actually um um probably one of
the top funded communities in the state. Uh uh and it is a testament of of the council's you know uh uh really investing in it in our biggest liability, right? which is which is our our pension cost. Uh um it's very
exciting. Obviously, it's a big number to to to carry, but but it's it's it's really exciting to get to a a theoretical goal, a fully funded. Uh I I will say that that that one fear that we always have is is what happens when the
market turns, right? Because because it's a it's a a a an actuarial number, right? So, so it's something that that a uh an accountant has a spreadsheet that tells us what that number is. If if if the market uh were to turn, right? And
and we saw it in 2008 where uh uh either pensions or 401 or 401ks, you know, dropped in value. Uh um it it might have an impact in in our trajectory, but but uh uh we are doing great needless to
say. So, I mean, I think two of the two of the worries that I've had about our financial stability, now we have a third with this zoning thing, but this is this was one of them. The other
one is the massive kind of infrastructure overhaul that has, you know, we thank God we haven't had any, you know, super major breakdowns that I've been fearing. And I think we're about half halfway through that process of getting everything revamped. So
that's that's good. Maybe another 10 years to go. >> But but how, >> correct me if I'm wrong, when we when we start making a real dent in this retirement thing, that changes the math
as far as our our our uh uh budgeting goes. Correct. >> Absolutely. Uh um it it it once once we cross over, if you will, right? Uh uh it it will be a good day for Chelsea for sure. >> How how how far out are we for for this
on this uh >> I think it's hard to say with the economy right now with >> ballpark. Close. Very close. We're very close. >> Close bit of a cigar. All right. Thank you. Seeing no other questions, we can move
on. >> Page page 246, state assessments. >> State assessments. Uh >> 246. >> Again, yet another bill that we can't wiggle out of. Uh this is our bill uh that the state provides us. They take it right out of our state aid every year.
uh the largest amount uh within the state assessments is our charter school tuitions for uh Chelsea students that are attend attending charter schools and probably the second second biggest amount at about three 3.8 million is for our share of the MBTA and then there's a
variety of other smaller uh charges here. Uh the number is pretty fluid uh up until um the legislature finally approves the budget. So, but we feel like we're in a good good ballpark right now with this and it gets we'll get adjusted to the correct numbers that the
state approves in the fall when we set the tax rate >> 246 24 counselors councelor Sigate >> I I just had a question about the MBTA TA. So if like when we added the silver
line or now we have the 104 bus. Does that um mean we have a larger assessment from the MBTA? >> I don't know the exact methodology but years ago when I questioned it they actually do a lot of research in terms of what city's residents use what MBTA
services. So they have really good data about who takes the bus in Chelsea obviously who gets on the bus. um they have good data on who gets on the commuter rail. Um what I found on on the subway system is that they'll actually go out and survey say at Maverick station in the morning and they'll just
start taking headcounts of where people are from. Thousand East Boston people, 200 Chelsea people um and they they work through a calculation on a number to sort of spread the burden of the MBTA amongst the communities and based upon their usages and the level of service
that exists in that community. So we have pretty good public transit here. So, uh, 3.8 million seems like a pretty reasonable for our share of it. But they do have a methodology. I don't have it exact, but that was the answers I was given, you know, several years ago. Um,
when when I question the same thing. >> Yeah, I know the 111 is one of the busiest bus lines. So, that makes sense. >> Uh, counselor, um, I have a quick question on the charter school. Is it so I see an increase obviously,
but um is it because we're getting more students into our charter schools and less into our public schools? And um did the drop in our students in
our public schools affect that and did they go into charters or was it it's completely different? I would say it's a it's a that some of those factors probably do factor in. Okay. But at the same time, another very um complicated calculation by the state.
Uh this amount goes directly towards the amount that Chelsea is considered towards paying city paying towards public schools. So it does work into our our Chelsea public schools funding formula, etc. Uh we don't they don't really give us much of an explanation.
This is just a number that comes out on a sheet and they say here's your >> here's your bill for this year and um there's not not really a lot of >> information >> inquiry or information we can get on. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Questions? Oh, councelor Taylor.
>> It's interesting that the state has these complicated uh ways of figuring out how much we pay. Um it's my understanding that um the money follows the student and so and so we we
I think the answer is is that that we do probably have more more students going into uh charter schools uh that live in Chelsea. So, um if there's I mean if there's that increase um and um
you know as far as the MBTA assess assessment thing and there there hasn't been much change but I was curious for for municipalities that actually use the the tea itself and that you know they
have they might have other costs you know the carman's union or whatever you know all the expensive repairs that that have to go on. It's a lot more expensive than bus maintenance. So, does that factor does that actually
factor in to to the cost of those things or or No. >> Yeah. >> Or you're not sure? I mean, >> no. I mean, it's interesting. There's like an old agreement from all the communities banded together to, you know, pull their resources for for public transit. It goes back to the old
MTA which is the predecessor of the MBTA and I think you know a large portion of the MBTA budget is paid for by the state. There's a portion that they get from the federal government and then there's it also part of the cost share agreement how much they divvy up to the member member communities.
Yeah, I'm sure a lot of it has to do also with the amount of people that actually are using the the the numbers of people that are actually using the MBTA. So >> yes, uh definitely that's how they sort of allocate the cost amongst the municipal municipalities in the
>> so even though Chelsea Chelsea is a fairly small population, we might have more, you know, bigger percentage of the people that are using MBTA. So that might make up for >> without a doubt. I definitely think we contribute uh very well to the ridership
based upon the buses I see coming through the city every every morning. >> Right. I mean I I I I rode the 111 bus for for for years and years and years to my office in down when it was in downtown Boston before I moved it to
Chelsea. So um uh I I I I think you're right. I think that even though there's a there's a slight there's a slight increase um you know that's that's basically cost of doing business and and $3 million is probably
pretty reasonable. Um thank you. That's it. >> Thank you councelor Councelor Brown. >> Thank madam vice president. Yeah with the bus them. So I've actually talked to the common unions about this stuff. Um,
and it it's interesting with especially with the now new 104. I don't know if folks really take a um look at that. I mean, that's a heavily used bus. I kind of take it uh it goes from Malden to Chelsea, from Malden to Everett to
Chelsea to the airport. And if you go down like Central A and come around, it's very like really heavily used in the morning and in the afternoon. It pretty much divides up the Silver Line. Silver Line is another heavily used.
Just go out there and I was just whispering to council Robinson. You can see them out there. They're watching the buses. If you go out there around 5:30, 6:00, you'll see some folks out there and they're watching the buses come around here. Turn the city Harongia. So,
they kind of like get that number. We're not supposed to be watching, but they come up with the numbers on expectation of what they think they see. And um it's it's really interesting. It's it's good for us, but it's also a cost for us, too. So, I can see that see why that's
happening. So, I just wanted to say that I have one last question uh sort of to combine everything um and sort of uh not to put you on the spot, city manager, but we've been having a lot of intense conversations. Obviously um I think we
are all in agreement that we're all looking forward to a um a collective inclusive change to um ensure that we are moving towards growth right so change I think is definitely something that we all agree on what that looks
like still sort of up in the air but um even after that it will take time right and so in the meantime and I know you shared earlier in the week that you We're going to talk a little bit more in the fall about what um January will look
like and how we can sustain >> some of these very important services for our community. Um but I'll I'll put Charlie back on on on the spot as well. >> His department was able to really um decrease spending in in ways where they
were going through some of like how effective are some of these programs? um you know, how are we measuring um you know, the outcomes of these programs and how can we maybe combine some of these um staffing positions and and save the
city some money. How are we planning to do that overall with some of our other departments? Um are we already in the works with some of those plans? Um I just curious to hear more. >> Absolutely. Um we we we held a lot of conversations on the budget, right? Uh
um this this year in particular uh uh we held a a new growth conversation early on. We held a a revenue conversation. We held an expense conversation. Uh um and and I think I think my message overall in in in those budget meetings is two
things. This year we the three of us have to do two things. We have to spend less, right? We have to spend less and what that means is uh uh is what you said. We have to uh uh gain efficiencies everywhere we can. We we have to really evaluate overtime in all of our
department whether it's necessary or or or whether another way is is possible. Uh we also have to stop backfilling positions when they when they become open, right? Uh and and and figure out if does that work need to need to happen, right? Is it critical work or is
it is it nice to have work, right? And and if it's nice to have work, we're going to stop doing that work. Uh one recent example uh is in HR, right? So we had an employee that that uh left to be a nurse, right? We we we celebrated her her accomplishment. Uh uh we did not
backfill that position, right? That is something that we we are are going to continue. Not with everything. Obviously, we we with police officers, we have a a capacity issue that we have to fill. So, but we are going to be very strategic in in in how we do things. that does mean that that we are going to
need to have very difficult conversations, right? U there there are things that that that we also need to pass on to our residents and Charlie's department is a great example of that, right? If you have more programming that you can create revenue for, right?
My daughter is in volleyball uh and and we'll happily pay a small fee for that that that service, right? So, so we have to also change our mindset as a community in terms of, you know, a small fee makes a big difference when it's compounded over a a lot of people,
right? So, so we have to change change stop seeing things as free and and start evaluating, you know, can we pay a little bit, right? Or can we create programs that have a scaling fee where where Fidel pays less than Devon, right?
Uh uh uh for whatever reason it is. So a means test a means test uh um but so is one component of of the formula which is we have to spend less. The other component of the formula is grow more right uh uh when we are capped by
proposition two and a half and and every year our budget can only grow by two and a half% legally by law. The only other option the only other option is growth. That is the only other option we have. And when growth is $1 million, right? I I I talked this year about three line
items. We're going up by $3 million. Health care, uh uh our our healthcare, uh regional schools, uh and uh and our fire department. Uh with those three, our our increases are are gone. So So any other increase that that we we want
to have are are gone. So So the only other thing that we have in in our in our in our lever is growth. there there is no way to get creative. There is no way to create new fees, new new new things. And the other thing that I'll say is is that growth has a compounding
effect, right? So so when a new building is going up on Broadway, that generates uh building permits, right? It generates uh uh inspection fees. It it generates community benefit agreement fees, right?
is so so it's not just the tax revenue, it's everything that that comes with it. What I'm going to do this year is is is I need to be really aggressive on on this. I got to be a bulldog. So So if you see me be a bulldog on on on growth, please know that this is why I I am
doing it. We have a a few very good projects that are that are right at the finish line that that we need to execute. The uh uh flat iron is is one of them, right? As soon as we get Flat Iron online, we get $2 million, right?
That is is is going to help us tremendously. We are working on on on on a garage on uh on Eastern Avenue that as soon as we get that online, we're going to get $3 million. Right. So So these are our are projects that that are almost there. We just got to get really
really bulldogish around it. The last thing is is that small projects are easier to get through and are quicker to get through. Right. So when Juan Gaygo has a property on Cherry Street, that takes him nine months to build. When Duo has a project in Prattville, that takes
him five years to build, right? So So we got to do both. Uh uh uh plan the big, chase the big while also unleashing the small. So So the the uh uh it's it's the message this year, both internally and externally, is this year we have to
spend less and we have to grow more. We have to do both. >> Thank you. Uh, councelor Garcia, >> I have a quick comment and um it reminds what you just said uh reminds me of how I am when I go shopping. Um, do I need
it or do I want it? Right. And I think that we need as a city need to be more frugal in in terms of spending. And then um the growth I totally um see that the city needs growth. Um it
also with growth comes beautifying the city as well and um and comes a sense of pridefulness. Uh and another thing is uh with the growth we can't forget our our families and our forever Chelsea
residents. Uh that's the only scary thing that I see with the growth, right? uh and with growth comes a lot of displacement and um but hopefully with growth comes more resources for our families.
>> So that is something that uh I think that we need to push also when it comes to developer for developers coming in is to make sure that they don't forget to take care of our residents. Uh, with that being said,
I just spend less and um save more. >> Spend less, grow more. Spend less, grow more. >> Yes. Yes. Spend less, grow more. That's all. >> I'm getting t-shirts made for the the whole city council. Just so you know.
>> How much is that going? >> Spend less, grow more. >> Yeah. How much is that going to cost? >> We're getting Sharpies. We can write it ourselves. >> Is that Is that coming out of your budget? >> That's right. Thank you so much, Devin, Paul, city manager, and for all the departments that have been with us for
the last three days. This is it. Councelor Taylor, >> I I just I wanted to say um one thing to your to your whole crew here. Um since I've been here, and I've been here that long, you know, um a lot of counselors
have been here longer, but but this is the best budget I've seen. And and when I got here, I think there was a lot more scrutiny going on about, you know, different things. Um, and we
were just kind of getting stuff under control. But I I I think that, you know, as somebody who has to do their own, you know, budget at work, you know, and when
it's my money, I I appreciate I appreciate this budget. And I think that it's it's um it's a testament to you, city manager, and and to the deputies and to the department heads that really
made this happen. I pretty much sang people's praises um with a few exceptions, but um I I I I really I really it's a credit to the city. And you know, I I said it before, I'll say it again, that I'll stack our people
against any other any other municipality in this Commonwealth. So, I I I I thank you. I think there were questions initially about this, you know, the the the budgeting for your office and how this was going to pay off. I I we saw
the dividends paid by it. So, I I have no other uh worries about that. And um I think everybody's doing a great job. Thank you, >> Councelor Brown. >> Thank you. I want to also thank the city manager and staff and the extended staff
throughout the um city hall on those who came before us. And more importantly, I want to thank all you youth for being here for the three nights. I really enjoyed seeing you here and patiently just listening and very pleasant. So, thank you ladies for being here and you
guys for being here. We really appreciate um your encouragement. Um but for me, I've been here quite a few years and I I do agree with my fellow council. This is a great budget, but every year
that I've been here, the budget has been getting better and better. Um our responsibilities come in more dedicated to reading and when we get here, we don't have statements. We have, you know, how is this going to help our city? why is this important to our city?
Um to make it grow, to make it embracive, to help one another. So, I'm very proud of the leadership here um all three of you and the extended leadership that's came and spoken on behalf of the different um agencies throughout the
city, our police department, our fire department. I mean there was times that we used to like wow you know they're stacking the pay they're taking all the money but we haven't had those conversations amongst us at city council. We see the refu uh we we see
the energy we see the growth we see the the um what do you call we see the the proof in the pudding. Um so we want to thank f first and foremost um the council for just being able to withstand
and continue to support these budgets and looking forward to seeing the final um budget um before passage um when we get that. Thank you. >> Thank you counselor. Seeing no other comments, I'll just share with the
public that this budget will be voted on on June 8th at our regular meeting. And I would be remiss if I don't give a shout out to our office for feeding us throughout the past three days. >> Thank you to our team. Um, and with that
said, this meeting is adjourned. >> Good job, folks. Thank you, ladies.