1/27/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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8 Board of Selectmen Minutes January 27, 2020 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Presentation on Financial Options to Fund Wastewater Design: Finance Director Dawn Thayer Treasurer/Tax Collector Craig Mayen, Assessing Director Jason Streebel: (continued) Craig Mayen, Treasurer/Tax Collector indicated the lowering of certified Free Cash does not affect the Town's bond rating. The Board of Selectmen reviewed the options presented by the Financial Team for the funding of wastewater. Option 1 considers authorization to borrow$2.4 m. in funds for the design of the wastewater facilities. In this approach the Town would borrow the funds as needed. This avoids the unnecessary obligation of funds, and does not limit specific amounts to specific projects. Option 1 would not deplete Free Cash, and Town operations would not be interrupted. Option 1 is the recommended selection of the Financial Team. Option 1 combines the $840,000 and $1,640,000 ($2.4 m.) in costs to complete the Design of the Phase I Wastewater Treatment Facility; treatment plant and collection system designs. This method would require a Town Meeting vote as well as a debt exclusion ballot question. Option 1 also requires a 2/3rds vote at Town Meeting as well as a 2/3rds vote of approval for the ballot question. If the debt exclusion fails, the project may not move forward. It was agreed this approach is simple and clean and less confusing to the voters. The Option 2 considers utilizing $840,000 from Free Cash and $1.6 m. from a debt exclusion. Town operations could be affected and it may require the Town to discontinue addressing the OPEB liability and Injured on Duty Fund. No debt is incurred for the design of the treatment plant. The debt exclusion is required for the collection system design. This requires a 2/3 vote at Town Meeting and a 2/3rds vote of approval for the ballot question. If the debt exclusion fails, the project may not move forward. The options were debated. It was agreed the matter of wastewater has been fully vetted, and the need has been demonstrated. Debt payments or a partial amount may be funded by the Rooms Tax and the Wastewater Infrastructure Investment Fund (WIIF). COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE Water District: Selectman Sherman and Selectman O'Hara were noted to have had a preliminary meeting with the Water District regarding the matter of wastewater. In moving forward, the Water District Commissioners are expected to attend the Selectmen's Meeting on Monday, February 10, 2020. Further information will be publicized at this meeting. Schools: Amanda Hough has been recognized as STEM Teacher of the Year. A special ceremony will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Mashpee High School in honor of this achievement. Assembly: In concern to the lack of conversation regarding the Pilgrim Power Plant, the Assembly of Delegates issued a demand letter to the regulatory commission requesting the Assembly be apprised of activities associated to the power plant.