The Finance Committee met on Monday, April 13. See the report and meeting video.
Approved
- $3,000 for Commission on Disability Interpretive Services — 6-0 (Micley not voting). Commission on Disability Co-Chair Ima Jonsdottir explained that the COD holds four to five awareness events per year and has previously had to request funds individually for each event’s ASL interpretation services, causing delays. This transfer creates a dedicated fund to streamline the process. Interpretation costs generally run $200–$400 per event.
- $20,000 settlement — 6-0 (Micley not voting). The case stems from a 2021 motor vehicle accident involving a Newton Police Department cruiser. The City, which is self-insured, negotiated a $20,000 full-and-final settlement covering the plaintiff’s medical bills and pain and suffering.
- $300,000 to Newton Communications Access Center (NewTV) — 6-0 (Micley not voting). “Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux explained that cable companies charge a 5% franchise fee to anyone who subscribes. The City has a five-year contract with NewTV and they split these funds with NewTV. However, cable revenues have been declining because many constituents have replaced cable service for other services such as streaming. Due to the declining revenues, NewTV has been requesting additional funding from the City for the past six years. NewTV Chief Executive Officer Bob Kelly further detailed cable franchise fees. He explained that NewTV is fundraising, developing community partnerships, and adding revenue streams, but the City’s support will go a long way to allow them to continue covering civic events, municipal meetings, and more.” The Comptroller clarified that this request draws on RCN and Verizon accounts rather than Comcast to balance the three Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) fund accounts; the Comcast account was used for a separate appropriation earlier this year. After approval, approximately $428,000 will remain in the PEG fund.
- Request for authorization to petition for special legislation to issue Pension Obligation Bonds (POB) — 7-0. CFO Maureen Lemieux clarified that this item authorizes only the petition, not the issuance of any bonds. A resident committee explored options, including POBs, an amended funding schedule, and infusion of Free Cash into the pension trust. Issuing a POB would likely cost approximately $2 million and would sell at around 4.7–4.8% interest (compared to approximately 3.43% for recent tax-exempt bonds). A full report is forthcoming.
Present: Councilors Grossman (Chair), Bixby, Charm, Greenberg, Malakie, Micley, and Silber.
Absent: Councilor Krintzman.
Also present: Councilors Lucas and Oliver; Ima Jonsdottir, co-chair of the Commission on Disability; Bob Kelly, NewTV Chief Executive Officer.
City staff: Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux; Chief of Operations Josh Morse; Chief of Staff Hanson; Chief of Community Services John Rice; City Treasurer/Collector Ron Mendes; Comptroller Steve Curley; Deputy Comptroller Stela Zaloshnja; Manager of Financial Services Doug Botelho; Assistant City Solicitor Kristen Annunziato; Assistant City Solicitor Jonah Temple.
