Finance Committee - 2.26.2025

Finance Committee Meeting - 2.26.2025

File Attachments:

Finance Committee Meeting Agenda 2.26.25 (pdf, 60.4 KB, opens in new window/tab)

Chapters

Meeting Open (00:00:00)
Meeting Open
Public Comment (00:00:46)
Public Comment
023-25: Grant Fund Expenditure of $479,882.76 - Shannon Community Safety Initiative Grant (00:02:29)
023-25: Grant Fund Expenditure of $479,882.76 - Shannon Community Safety Initiative Grant

023-25 ORDER: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the Shannon Community Safety Initiative Grant awarded by the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security in the approximate amount of FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY-NINE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO AND 76/100 DOLLARS ($479,882.76) to address the underlying causes of criminal activity, and to build positive relationships with young people.
024-25: Appropriate $700,000 from Avaliable Funds to DPW Snow & Ice (00:09:13)
024-25: Appropriate $700,000 from Avaliable Funds to DPW Snow & Ice

024-25 ORDER: The City of Fitchburg hereby appropriates the sum of SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($700,000) same to be charged against Available Funds and credited to the following DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, SNOW & ICE accounts: + PERSONAL SERVICES - Overtime $ 75,000 + EXPENSES - SALT $625,000
025-25: Appropriate $35,000 from Avaliable Funds to Facilities - Contracted Services (00:48:47)
025-25: Appropriate $35,000 from Avaliable Funds to Facilities - Contracted Services

025-25 ORDER: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriates from Available Funds, the sum of THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($35,000), to FACILITIES - Contracted Services, for critical equipment repairs and maintenance at City Hall and the Legislative Building.
026-25: Appropriate $105,000 from Avaliable Funds to Law - Other Expenses (01:14:02)
026-25: Appropriate $105,000 from Avaliable Funds to Law - Other Expenses

026-25 ORDER: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriates from Available Funds, the sum of ONE HUNDRED FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($105,000), to be credited to: + LAW OTHER EXPENSES - Labor Negotiator $100,000 + LAW OTHER EXPENSES - Litigation/Special Counsel $5,000
018-25: Transfer $5,000 within CDBG Year 45 COVID-19 funds to COVID Rent and Utility Assistance (01:25:34)
018-25: Transfer $5,000 within CDBG Year 45 COVID-19 funds to COVID Rent and Utility Assistance

018-25 ORDER: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the transfer of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000) within CDBG Year 45 COVID-19 funds to COVID Rent and Utility Assistance from the following accounts: + Pandemic Legal Assistance - $1,328.27 + COVID Grant Administration - $3,671.73
Recess (01:27:30)
Recess
Communication: Proposed Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant Year 51 (01:33:25)
Communication: Proposed Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant Year 51
CDBG Year 51 Project A: $176,000 for West Main St. Paving & Sidewalk Reconstruction (01:33:51)
CDBG Year 51 Project A: $176,000 for West Main St. Paving & Sidewalk Reconstruction

The proposed project will include the design and construction of new ADA-compliant sidewalks along the westbound shoulder of Main Street between approximately 1157 Main Street and Caldwell Park, along with an ADA-compliant crosswalk near the Greek Church, an ADA-compliant crosswalk near the Yarn Lofts, and a mill and overlay of Main Street between the Boulder at the Upper Common and the intersection with West Street/Ashburnham Hill Road. If funding allows, the sidewalk on the eastbound shoulder of Main Street between the intersection with West Street/Ashburnham Hill Road and Caldwell Street will also be reconstructed.
CDBG Year 51 Project B: $15,000 for City Park Signs Replacement (01:38:32)
CDBG Year 51 Project B: $15,000 for City Park Signs Replacement

The purpose of this project is to create uniformity and provide the names and locations of the parks in the city. This information should be available to the community in all of the parks, more importantly, the signs will help those visiting the parks know what parks they are visiting and bring uniformity to the city's parks system. Funding will go toward signs, mounting posts, supplies, and materials.
CDBG Year 51 Project D: $30,000 for Crocker Field - Grandstand Restoration (01:40:37)
CDBG Year 51 Project D: $30,000 for Crocker Field - Grandstand Restoration

This project will include restoration work in the covered grandstand including replacement of remaining rotted/cracked benches; repair or replacement of 41 concrete brackets that support the benches; removal/replacement of deteriorated concrete in the seating area, and sealing of concrete cracks in the seating area.
CDBG Year 51 Project E: $20,000 for Street Outreach (01:41:22)
CDBG Year 51 Project E: $20,000 for Street Outreach

Outreach activities will be conducted to include street outreach engagement with the unsheltered population providing direct referrals and connections to shelter, medical/mental health/substance use treatment, permanent housing, etc. This project will supply necessary health, hygiene and safety items as deemed appropriate by the Outreach Worker. The proposed project also includes the support of Winter Warming Center implementation.
CDBG Year 51 Project F: $7,000 for Fitchburg Farmers' Market (01:44:45)
CDBG Year 51 Project F: $7,000 for Fitchburg Farmers' Market

The Fitchburg Farmers Market serves the Fitchburg community with a focus on low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons and Environmental Justice populations that are at increased risk for food insecurity. In addition to accepting SNAP and the MA Healthy Incentive program for all market vendors, the Fitchburg Farmers Market supports older adults and low-income families through the acceptance of Senior and WIC Farmers Market Coupons. The project also assists small businesses as vendors, as well as youth through market activities hosted by the Youth Leaders. The Fitchburg Farmers Market is in the downtown North of Main neighborhood in a City park/public space, so it is accessible to these populations. Funds will go toward the Salary of the Farmers' Market Manager, youth Leaders, a distribution driver, and fringe benefits.
CDBG Year 51 Project H: $40,000 for Fitchburg Community Policing Project (01:55:16)
CDBG Year 51 Project H: $40,000 for Fitchburg Community Policing Project

The Fitchburg Community Policing Project will focus on increasing community policing efforts in the downtown and surrounding CDBG area, mostly foot patrols but officers may also use bicycles, motorcycles and patrol vehicles depending on the nature of the community policing activities. Officers will also spend time on the rail trail pathways. These patrols will give officers an opportunity for increase police presence in these areas.
CDBG Year 51 Project I: $10,000 for Family Homeless Shelter (02:09:18)
CDBG Year 51 Project I: $10,000 for Family Homeless Shelter

North Star is the only shelter for families with children experiencing homelessness in our region. They provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, and comprehensive case management services to guide families to stability and self-sufficiency in permanent housing. The funds will be used for staff salary.
CDBG Year 51 Project J: $5,000 for Fitchburg Homelessness Prevention Project (02:20:09)
CDBG Year 51 Project J: $5,000 for Fitchburg Homelessness Prevention Project

The project will provide thorough and comprehensive legal outreach and advocacy to Fitchburg's low-income and elderly renters, with the goal of helping them obtain and maintain safe, affordable housing. Funds from the Fitchburg CDBG program will allow CLA to continue to assist tenants with eviction cases before their court dates and to represent subsidy program participants threatened with termination from the programs, work that they are unable to prioritize in the absence of dedicated funding.
CDBG Year 51 Project K: $7,000 for Resident Service Coordinator and Activities (02:26:40)
CDBG Year 51 Project K: $7,000 for Resident Service Coordinator and Activities

Funding will provide critically needed assistance to lower-income senior citizens by supporting the salary of the Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) position. Many of our seniors are unaware of (or need help applying for) existing programs and services designed to address the many needs associated with aging and affordability, including health care and financial assistance. In addition to referrals for outside program access, this position will directly assist seniors in their efforts to remain self-sufficient by providing ongoing assistance in managing their lives in areas ranging from financial literacy to health care - all designed to allow them to continue living independently as long as possible.
CDBG Year 51 Project L: $16,500 for Project Learn STEAM Transportation (02:30:26)
CDBG Year 51 Project L: $16,500 for Project Learn STEAM Transportation

The proposed project would currently transport 106 (this will increase throughout the year) Fitchburg youth ages 8-18 from the South Street, Reingold, McKay, Crocker, Memorial, FHS, and Longsjo schools from September 2025 through June 2026. This will provide them with an opportunity to participate in our BCGFL after-school program, Project Full STEAM Ahead. The club offers local youth a safe, positive place to learn and grow during crucial after-school hours from 2-6pm, engaging members in activities that enable them to develop self-esteem and to reach their full potential through the five BGC of America Core Program areas that include: Education and Career, Sports and Recreation, Fitness, Character and Leadership Development, Health and Life Skills, and Cultural Arts. Funding will go to the cost of tranportation from Fitchburg Public Schools to the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster.
CDBG Year 51 Project M: $5,000 for Mayor's Energy Fund (02:33:56)
CDBG Year 51 Project M: $5,000 for Mayor's Energy Fund

The Mayor's Energy Fund will utilize CDBG funding per HUD income guidelines to allow low-income residents to apply for relief to go toward utility costs during the winter months. The Fitchburg Mayor's Office serves the residents of the city, this program is merely a beneficial extension of the work and services already provided through the Mayor's Office in collaboration with the Community Development office.
CDBG Year 51 Project N: $5,000 for One-to-One Mentoring for Fitchburg Youth (02:37:20)
CDBG Year 51 Project N: $5,000 for One-to-One Mentoring for Fitchburg Youth

The focus of this activity is on Children (Littles) at McKay Elementary School who are recommended for Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring by school staff. They are interviewed by a Match Support and Success team member. The parent/guardian is also interviewed. This team member then interviews volunteers (Bigs) from Fitchburg State University and matches the Littles and Bigs based on similar interests, personalities, and family history. Once matched, Bigs and Littles meet weekly. The match support and success team member attends the program each week and also conducts monthly support calls with the Little, the parent/guardian, and the Big to ensure the most successful match possible. Funding will support salary of the Match Support and Success Team Member.
CDBG Year 51 Project O: $20,000 for Spartacus (02:39:14)
CDBG Year 51 Project O: $20,000 for Spartacus

Spartacus is a program designed to help at-risk teens who are vulnerable to issues such as substance abuse, failing school, and limited impulse control to make healthy decisions. Participants build their character, self-confidence, and abilities through a diverse curriculum, including exercise, academic tutoring, community service opportunities, workshops on self-esteem building, leadership development, and substance abuse prevention. Local partners, including public school departments, MASSCall311, banking institutions, LUK Inc., and member volunteers, enrich and strengthen program offerings with additional content. A myriad of adult role models, both from the YMCA and the Fitchburg community, allow teens to constantly learn and grow outside the classroom while in a safe environment at the branch. With the knowledge they gain, the club equips teens with the necessary skills and knowledge to create solutions to the challenges they are presented with in everyday life as they work towards a bright, productive future for themselves. Funding will provide salary for a full-time program staff member.
CDBG Year 51 Project U: $30,000 for Critical Home Repair (02:41:16)
CDBG Year 51 Project U: $30,000 for Critical Home Repair

The Critical Home Repair program provides needed interior and exterior repairs addressing code violations, safety concerns, accessibility problems, and weatherization issues for low-income homeowners in Fitchburg so that they may maintain a safe, decent, and affordable place to live. Funds will go toward the cost on construction materials, subcontractor costs, and wages.
CDBG Year 51 Project V: $121,000 for Code Enforcement (02:44:56)
CDBG Year 51 Project V: $121,000 for Code Enforcement

The proposed project will consist of implementation of an overall inspection and enforcement strategy to eliminate housing deterioration, substandard housing, vacancy, abandonment, and conditions of blight in lower income, older housing stock CDBG strategy neighborhoods. The overarching goal also consists of efforts to provide safe and sanitary housing for owner and rental units, whereby improving neighborhoods and increasing property values. Heath Department intends to fund a portion of a full time clerk salary (50%) and one full time code inspector.
CDBG Year 51 Project W: $91,000 for Improving Community and Economic Development Through Improved Code Enforcement (02:46:28)
CDBG Year 51 Project W: $91,000 for Improving Community and Economic Development Through Improved Code Enforcement

Funding will provide 2 part-time local Building Inspectors whose primary responsibilities will be to address complaints related to building code, zoning and other land use-related city ordinances and regulations, within the CDBG Target Area. The goals of this project are: 1) neighborhood revitalization, 2) reactivation of vacant and abandoned properties, and 3) economic development through blight prevention and removal.
CDBG Year 51 Project Q: $30,000 for Small Business Technical Assistance (02:56:22)
CDBG Year 51 Project Q: $30,000 for Small Business Technical Assistance

NewVue Communities seeks funding for personnel to continue to provide technical assistance to small business owners and those positioned to start a small business. Providing business owner counseling, targeted outreach to minority business owners, and packaging loan (and grant) applications will be the activities that drive their effort to impact the economy in Fitchburg. In addition, the small business team will partner with the North Central Chamber of Commerce to offer in-person training and webinars addressing the beginning stages of developing a small business.
CDBG Year 51 Project R: $60,000 for Sign & Facade Program (03:05:56)
CDBG Year 51 Project R: $60,000 for Sign & Facade Program

This project proposes to reduce blighted conditions in target areas and increase economic activity by providing assistance to business owners to replace defunct signs with professionally designed, quality signage. Owners provide a 30% match of cost. This is potential. Owners may also match by investing 30% of cost into other physical improvement of the space.
CDBG Year 51 Project S: $35,000 for Fitchburg Downtown Coordinator (03:06:45)
CDBG Year 51 Project S: $35,000 for Fitchburg Downtown Coordinator

The Downtown Coordinator will provide direct technical assistance to downtown microenterprise businesses in the form of marketing, as well as in planning, coordinating, and promoting Main Street activities and special events that attract residents and visitors to downtown. The Downtown Coordinator will assist in the implementation of a shared, cohesive brand strategy for Main Street events and collaborate with partners on social media, print and web advertising and other forms of outreach. The coordinator will help recruit new volunteers, including FSU students and neighborhood residents; and identify events and marketing opportunities that further support Fitchburg as an 'Arts & Culture' destination and Fitchburg as a 'College Town'. During the previous year, FSU stopped funding the program due to uncertainty with the University President leaving and a tighter FSU budget. The City attempted to hire a part time consultant to perform this work, but was unsuccessful. After discussions with the new FSU leadership, President Donna Hodge has re-committed to partnering with the City to fund this role as a full time staff, employed by the university. This funding will represent the City's contibution to this partnership.
CDBG Year 51 Project Y: $104,412 for Demolition (03:17:09)
CDBG Year 51 Project Y: $104,412 for Demolition

Demolition of select problem properties in CDBG target areas.
CDBG Year 51 Project Z: $183,967 for CDBG Administration and Planning (03:18:41)
CDBG Year 51 Project Z: $183,967 for CDBG Administration and Planning

Project funds will provide for the necessary administration of CDBG programs and sub-recipient contracts in accordance with federal guidelines, including staffing, technical services, and planning activities. This also includes the cost of various activities such as the Consolidated Plan; Consolidated Annual Performance Report; Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing; and other strategic plans and services. These funds enable the City to apply for, receive, and administer additional federal and state grants. (Funding not to exceed 20% of entitlement.)