House approves nearly $50B budget
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Vol. 49, No. 5 A Publication of the Massachusetts Municipal Association | www.mma.org May 2022
House approves nearly $50B budget
By Jackie Lavender Bird The House did not adopt amendments million over the current fiscal year and
On April 27, the House of Represen- to increase UGGA, regional school trans- is $24.4 million more than the governor
tatives approved a $49.7 billion state portation, out-of-district vocational proposed. The House’s increase would
spending plan for fiscal 2023 that, for transportation or payments-in-lieu-of- fund 100% of the state’s statutory
municipal and school aid accounts, had taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land, but obligation for charter school mitigation
few changes from the recommendation did approve an amendment to increase payments as outlined in the Student Op-
released by the House Ways and Means funding for the METCO program by portunity Act, phasing in full funding a
Committee on April 13. $250,000, bringing the account to year earlier than would be accomplished
$28.75 million. by the governor’s plan.
The budget matches the governor’s
proposed 2.7% increase for Unrestricted Chapter 70 Special Education Circuit Breaker
General Government Aid, but includes The House budget meets the state’s The House budget bill includes $440
House Ways and Means proposals to commitment to fund the Student Op- million for the Special Education Circuit
significantly increase Chapter 70 school portunity Act at two-sixths of the im- Breaker account, a $67 million increase
aid, charter school reimbursements, and plementation schedule, providing a total over fiscal 2022.
the Special Education Circuit Breaker. of $5.98 billion for Chapter 70 aid. An The Student Opportunity Act expanded
additional $9.6 million line item in the the circuit breaker by including out-of-
After consolidating more than 1,500 House plan would raise the minimum
amendments into seven categories, district transportation, to be phased in
new aid amount from $30 per student over three years. The House total reflects
House members voted to increase to $60 per student.
spending by $130 million over the Ways years two and three of the schedule in
and Means proposal, bringing the total Charter schools the Student Opportunity Act, achiev-
to $1.2 billion above the budget plan The House budget includes $243 million ing full funding a year earlier than the
filed by the governor in January. for Charter School Mitigation Payments, governor’s plan would.
which represents an increase of $89.2 n BUDGET continued on 18
Inside $3.5B economic development bill
includes local investments
Review of infrastructure On April 21, Gov. Charlie Baker filed a
bond bill extended....................3 $3.5 billion economic development bill
that would fund projects to strengthen
state infrastructure, create jobs and
PFAS task force issues
invest in cities and towns.
report.......................................... 4
The legislation includes $2.3 billion in
funding from the federal American Res-
Senate OK’s $250M
cue Plan Act and $1.26 billion in capital
climate bill................................. 6 bond authorizations.
“The Commonwealth has an opportunity Gov. Charlie Baker announces the filing
Safe Streets for All grant
to make significant investments now to of a $3.5 billion economic development
program readied.......................7 help our communities and local econo- bill on April 21 in Lynn. (Photo courtesy
mies emerge stronger in a post-pandem- Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office)
Around the Commonwealth............ 16
ic world,” Baker said at a press event in
People.................................................22 Lynn. “The FORWARD legislation [An giving workers the tools they need to
Classifieds..........................................25 Act Investing in Future Opportunities succeed in today’s economy.”
for Resiliency, Workforce, and Revital-
Calendar............................................ 30
ized Downtowns] will make investments Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said the bill will
in every municipality in Massachusetts, support hundreds of local projects,
strengthening downtowns, improving including funding to improve green
the resiliency of infrastructure and n DEVELOPMENT BILL continued on 19
2022 MMA
Board of Directors Executive Director’s Report
The MMA Board of Directors holds regular
meetings in Boston, followed by a meeting of Clouds on the horizon: inflation, clawbacks,
economic uncertainty
the Local Government Advisory Commission
with the administration. For information on
the board’s activities, call the office of MMA The Commonwealth’s record to and recover from the public
Executive Director Geoff Beckwith at
revenue growth over the past two health emergency and its neg-
617-426-7272.
years is certainly welcome news. ative impacts on families and
Executive Committee The governor and lawmakers businesses.
Ruthanne Fuller, MMA President have used this multi-billion-dol- Whether this fiscal vise grip
Mayor, Newton lar largess to propose record state tightens or loosens will depend
Jill Hai, MMA Vice President budgets, bring the state’s rainy- on several factors that are be-
Select Board, Lexington day fund to highest-ever levels,
Adam Chapdelaine, MMA Immediate Past
yond the control of local leaders.
and create a level of stability that By Geoffrey These factors — high inflation,
President was hard to imagine during the Beckwith
Town Manager, Arlington federal clawbacks and an eco-
early stages of the pandemic. nomic slowdown — are clouds
Brian Arrigo, MMaA First Vice President
Mayor, Revere One of the state’s impressive and on the horizon that must be carefully
Steve Bartha, MMMA First Vice President much-appreciated investments is the monitored.
Town Manager, Danvers ongoing commitment to fully fund the
Lisa Blackmer, MMCA President High inflation would make
ambitious Student Opportunity Act
Councillor, North Adams within the original seven-year time span, Proposition 21/2 unworkable
George “Bud” Dunham, MMMA President even though that target was set before In the years leading up to the pandemic,
Town Manager, Sandwich
the pandemic disrupted all planning and cities and towns were able to achieve
Andrew Hogeland, MSA First Vice President
whipsawed the state’s cash flows. This fiscal stability through a combination of
Select Board, Williamstown sound management practices, cautious
Samantha Squailia, MMCA First Vice has been possible because state revenues
are growing at well-above-inflation rates, budgeting, predictable revenue sharing
President
Councillor, Fitchburg and because state leaders have remained by the state, and generally favorable mac-
Melinda Tarsi, ATFC First Vice President focused and passionate about closing roeconomic conditions that kept revenue
Industrial and Development Committee, Mansfield educational resource disparities. growth at or above the rate of inflation.
John Trickey, ATFC President Unfortunately, that formula for suc-
Finance Committee, Pelham Yet the recent fiscal headlines mask a
Linda Tyer, MMaA President number of significant concerns that local cess has been upended by the spike in
and state leaders must attend to. inflation and a slowdown in commercial
Mayor, Pittsfield
and industrial growth. The only way that
Michael Walsh, MSA President At the local level, municipal finances
Select Board Member, Westwood
Proposition 2½ can be managed without
have not boomed. Cities and towns forcing deep cuts in municipal services is
Geoff Beckwith (non-voting)
MMA Executive Director
are trapped in an ever-tightening vise, in a low-inflation environment. In most
squeezed on one side by revenues that years, inflation has hovered within the
have been reduced or stalled by the range of municipal revenue growth, at
Ted Bettencourt, Mayor, Peabody COVID economy, and on the other side about 2.5% to 3.5%. From 1983 to 2022,
Lisa Braccio, Selectman, Southborough by a growing demand to deliver essential the average U.S. inflation rate has been
Denise Casey, Deputy Town Manager, services to their residents to respond
North Andover n DIRECTOR’S REPORT continued on 21
Ralph Figy, Councillor, Westfield
TheBeacon
Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, Andover
Claire Freda, Councillor, Leominster TheBeacon (ISSN 0199-235X) is published
Scott Galvin, Mayor, Woburn monthly, except for a combined July-
Christine Hoyt, Selectman, Adams May 2022 | Volume 49, Number 5 August issue, by the Massachusetts
Afroz Khan, Councillor, Newburyport Copyright © 2022, Massachusetts Municipal Association Municipal Association, 3 Center Plaza,
Nicole LaChapelle, Mayor, Easthampton Manager of Communications & Suite 610, Boston, MA 02108. The MMA is
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3 Center Plaza, Suite 610, Boston, MA 02108
Michelle Wu, Mayor, Boston ideas, news items, and events notices to editor@
617-426-7272 • www.mma.org
Twitter and Facebook: @massmunicipal mma.org.
2 • The Beacon • May 2022
Committee extends review of MassTRAC bill
By Adrienne Núñez and non-BIL program investment.
The Joint Committee on Transportation The $3.3 billion in capital investments
has extended the time period for consid- would support capital programs of the
ering Gov. Charlie Baker’s $9.7 billion Massachusetts Department of Trans-
infrastructure bond bill until May 6. portation and the Massachusetts Bay
The governor filed An Act Relative Transportation Authority through 2026.
to Massachusetts’s Transportation The funds would be used to modernize
Resources and Climate, or MassTRAC, the state’s transportation system, with
on March 17. The bill was referred to a focus on transportation network
the Transportation Committee, which improvements and infrastructure geared
held a hearing on April 12. The MMA toward climate change mitigation,
Scott Bosworth, the Massachusetts resiliency, equity and safety for all users,
submitted written testimony expressing Department of Transportation’s
support for the bill. particularly cyclists and pedestrians. In-
undersecretary and chief strategy
officer, discusses the administration’s
vestments would include improvements
In addition to investing in existing state to non-interstate highways; funding
programs, MassTRAC includes required infrastructure bond bill during the
April 20 virtual meeting of the Local for several municipal grant programs,
state matching funds to compete for and Government Advisory Commission. including Complete Streets, Small Mu-
capitalize on investment opportunities nicipal Bridge, Municipal Pavement, and
provided by the federal Bipartisan Infra- Shared Streets and Spaces; and modern-
structure Law. sitioned to win the federal grants. ization of the MBTA.
The $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastruc- MassTRAC includes: The bill would also authorize the use of
ture Law provides discretionary funding • $2.85 billion in BIL-related blue flashing safety lights at construc-
through formula-based allocations and authorizations for formula-based tion sites, and includes provisions to
more than $110 billion in competi- funding enable the MassDOT and the MBTA to
tive grants to be overseen by the U.S. use certain project procurement and de-
Department of Transportation. These • $3.55 billion in BIL-related
authorizations for discretionary grants livery tools that could speed the imple-
competitive grants will be distributed mentation of federally funded projects,
over five years and are available to all • $3.3 billion in non-BIL authorizations as well as regular project delivery.
states, territories and tribal lands. for capital investment programs
• View the administration’s April
Gov. Baker said the MassTRAC bill Of the total, $4.1 billion is federal aid 20 presentation to the MMA on
would provide authorizations necessary and $5.6 billion is state-funded authori- MassTRAC ●
to ensure the Commonwealth is well-po- zations required for federal aid matching
Chapter 90 bill awaits Senate review
By Adrienne Núñez • $25 million for mass transit and com- The MMA and local officials continue to
The Chapter 90 bond bill for fiscal 2023 muter rail stations and parking lots, and advocate for a $100 million-a-year in-
that the House passed on March 31 has related enhancements crease in the Chapter 90 reimbursement
been sent to the Senate Committee on Base Chapter 90 funding has been program to maintain 30,000 miles of
Ways and Means, where it awaits review. level-funded at $200 million since fiscal local roads and bridges in a state of good
2012. Adjusting for inflation, the MMA repair. The MMA also seeks a multiyear
The House bill includes $200 million for bill to help municipalities better plan
the Chapter 90 program to maintain calculates a 42.6% decrease in pur-
chasing power over the past 11 years, their road projects, with future year
local roads and bridges, along with $150 increases tied to the rate of inflation.
million for other municipal infrastruc- from $200 million to $117 million. The
ture grant programs. MMA’s testimony to House members The MMA’s recently updated biennial
on March 30 includes a comprehensive statewide survey shows that cities and
The additional grant funding includes: analysis of the declining value of Chap- towns need $600 million in Chapter 90
• $30 million for the Municipal Small ter 90 funding. funding to adequately fund municipal
Bridge Program During the House debate, Rep. William road and bridge projects.
• $30 million for Complete Streets Straus, House chair of the Transporta- “With a tightly capped property tax,” the
tion Committee, indicated he is hesitant MMA wrote to House members, “com-
• $40 million for design, construction, to increase Chapter 90 funding without munities do not have the resources to
repair and improvements on non-feder- a review of the formula, which some say close this massive $400 million gap.” ●
ally aided roads and bridges, including favors more populated municipalities by
state routes and municipal roads calculating allotments based on popu-
• $25 million to improve bus stops and lation and employment as well as road
stations miles.
May 2022 • The Beacon • 3
PFAS task force recommends policy framework
By Josie Ahlberg and Adrienne Núñez for the Massachu- pational exposure to products and gear
The PFAS Interagency Task Force setts Department containing PFAS.
released an 88-page report on April of Environmental 7. Address PFAS contamination
20 that outlines a policy framework to Protection and the accountability: The report urges the
protect public health and address envi- Department of state to identify reasonable limitations
ronmental concerns and remediation ef- Public Health to for liability claims for both homeowners
forts related to the family of chemicals. conduct PFAS test- and municipalities, and a continued
ing in water, soil, evaluation of claims against PFAS man-
The report makes clear that the Com- air, and other envi-
monwealth must phase out, regulate ufacturers.
ronmental sources
and remediate per- and polyfluoroalkyl in locations with Connor Read 8. Enhance public awareness: The
substances, while building education known or suspected task force urges the MassDEP and DPH
and awareness campaigns on the issue contamination. The report acknowl- to conduct public education and aware-
and the corresponding state and local edges the need for grants, rather than ness campaigns and provide guidance to
responses. The task force, co-chaired by loans, for municipalities, public water health care providers and local govern-
Sen. Julian Cyr and Rep. Kate Hogan, systems, and homeowners to cover ments on the health impacts of PFAS.
makes 30 specific recommendations. PFAS remediation projects. At a press event to unveil the report,
“This report moves the Commonwealth 2. Support environmental justice task force Chairs Hogan and Cyr both
in the right direction on the regulation, communities: Recognizing the dis- indicated their intent to file a wide-rang-
funding and removal of PFAS from the proportionate impacts that PFAS can ing PFAS bill in the next legislative
state economy and consumer products, have on minority, low-income, tribal session. Since 2018, they said, Massa-
and our water supplies,” said Easton and indigenous populations, the task chusetts has provided $30 million in
Town Administrator Connor Read, the force recommends deliberate measures grant funding and $100 million in loans
MMA’s appointee to the task force. to increase loan forgiveness for eligible to address PFAS. Although the report
“These recommendations, if adopted by PFAS remediation projects within the does not estimate the total amount
the Legislature, will support municipal Disadvantaged Communities program of funding needed, task force leaders
governments in Massachusetts as we and provide information in multiple indicated that a significant amount of
meet our charge to serve our commu- languages. funding from a variety of sources and
nities and provide safe, clean drinking channels will be needed.
water to those who live in them.” 3. Phase out PFAS in consumer
products: The report recommends Key recommendations that support
The task force, established by the fiscal funding research on alternatives to cities and towns include the creation of
2021 state budget, held a series of 11 PFAS, while setting stricter standards a PFAS Remediation Fund to provide
hearings to investigate contamination for products containing PFAS. Recom- grants to municipalities, public water
by PFAS — known as “forever chemi- mendations include labeling and state systems, and homeowners, and several
cals” — across Massachusetts. disclosure, with a ban on the sale of recommendations focused on firefight-
PFAS are a family of chemicals used products with intentionally added PFAS ers and fire departments. Seven of the
since the 1950s to manufacture stain-re- to be adopted by 2030. 30 recommendations focus on protect-
sistant, water-resistant, and non-stick ing firefighters from PFAS, particularly
4. Expand PFAS regulation: The task addressing the use, cleanup and replace-
products. Also found in firefighting force urges the MassDEP to adopt a
foam and other fire retardants, PFAS ment of AFFF fire suppressants.
more ambitious classification of PFAS
have been detected in water and soil that goes beyond the existing state “I hope this report leads to decisive
sources in Massachusetts. According standard, PFAS6, to further regulate action on the state level to grapple with
to the U.S. Environmental Protection fluorinated organic chemicals. this challenge in all areas identified —
Agency, scientific studies have shown but especially the creation of sufficient,
that exposure to some PFAS in the 5. Encourage private well PFAS regular funding of a PFAS Mitigation
environment may be linked to harmful testing and remediation: The report Fund to support local governments who
health effects in humans and animals. recommends a new fund for commu- are already in the process of construct-
nities to receive loans for private well ing costly treatment — and by pushing
PFAS remediation can be a complicated PFAS remediation and encourages PFAS
and costly process, as the chemical sta- manufactures to remove PFAS from
testing during property transfers involv- firefighter turnout gear as soon as viable
bility of PFAS chemicals pose significant ing private wells and new well permits.
barriers to traditional contaminant to protect first responders,” Read said.
remediation measures. 6. Support for firefighters and local The federal government has yet to issue
fire departments: The task force regulations for PFAS, but 16 states have
The task force’s recommendations recommends funding for aqueous film
fall into the following eight strategies begun to take action by establishing
forming foam (AFFF) take-back pro- enforceable drinking water standards,
and include regulatory and legislative grams, decontamination efforts, and
actions: with some requiring notification to
the purchasing of fluorine-free foam, state officials when water sources exceed
1. Fund PFAS detection and reme- along with increased cancer awareness
diation: The task force seeks funding training and screenings to address occu- n PFAS continued on 18
4 • The Beacon • May 2022
ARPA audit simplified for non-entitlement recipients
The Office of Management and Budget $10 million; and cifically “activities allowed” and “unal-
has amended its compliance rules to 2. Other federal award funds the lowed/allowable cost.”
allow for a simplified process for mu- recipient expended (not including Finally, the OMB’s “Uniform Adminis-
nicipalities that would not be required their SLFRF award funds) are less than trative Requirements, Cost Principles,
to undergo a federal audit if not for $750,000 during the recipient’s fiscal and Audit Requirements for Federal
expenditures of Coronavirus State and year. Awards” (commonly known as Uniform
Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under the Guidance) still applies to all expended
American Rescue Plan Act. The revision is Addendum 3 to the 2021
Single Audit Compliance Supplement. funds, whether the recipient performs
Under the OMB addendum, issued on an attestation or a single audit.
April 8, SLFRF recipients that expend Addendum 3 includes a simplified
single-audit process (an “attestation”) Municipal recipients of ARPA’s State and
$750,000 or more during their fiscal Local Fiscal Recovery Funds are divided
year and meet two specific criteria for direct recipients that are consid-
ered exempt from the single audit if it into two categories: metro cities, which
have the option for their auditor or are typically municipalities with a popu-
practitioner to follow the Alternative was not for the expenditures of SLFRF
funds. This alternative is intended to lation greater than 50,000, and non-en-
Compliance Examination Engagement titlement units of government, which
guidance. reduce the burden of a full single audit
on eligible recipients (estimated at more have populations below 50,000.
The criteria are: than 10,000 entities). This alternative The MMA has been working with the
1. The recipient’s total SLFRF award applies to fiscal year audits beginning National League of Cities and the Mas-
received directly from the U.S. De- after June 30, 2020. sachusetts congressional delegation to
partment of the Treasury or received Attestation would result in an auditor’s ease ARPA’s administrative burdens and
(through states) as a non-entitlement opinion on compliance, which includes increase flexibility in how the funds can
unit of local government is at or below an assessment of two activities, spe- be used by cities and towns. ●
Rules, apportionments available for WRAP
By Adrienne Núñez
The Massachusetts Department of
Transportation has finalized details
for the $100 million Winter Recovery
Assistance Program that was included in
a $1.6 billion fiscal 2022 supplemental
budget act signed on April 1.
WRAP funding is intended to support
municipal transportation network needs
brought on by winter weather. The
funding may be used for the rehabili- The $100 million Winter Recovery LGAC addresses virtual
tation, reconstruction, resurfacing or Assistance Program will help to repair public meetings
preservation of local roads, sidewalks, roads that were damaged this past winter.
bike lanes and other pathways, as well MMA Vice President Jill Hai, a
as road striping or painting, and repair Lexington Select Board member, asks
the administration to support legislation
or replacement of traffic control devices, Reimbursements are available upon extending options for virtual public
signage, guardrails and storm grates. completion of the reporting and reim- meetings, including town meetings,
Reimbursement funding is provided to bursement process. To initiate reim- during the April 20 virtual meeting of the
cities and towns after costs are incurred. bursements, municipalities are required Local Government Advisory Commission.
To access funding, municipalities are re- to submit a WRAP Project Report Form Pandemic-era provisions allowing
quired to enter into a contract with the followed by a reimbursement request public bodies to meet remotely are set
(Word file), payroll form (as needed, to expire on July 15, and Hai said that
MassDOT prior to beginning a project. any disruption to those options would
spreadsheet), list of materials (spread-
To initiate this process, communities sheet), and other required supporting
create problems for municipalities. She
must provide email and other contact called for a permanent solution that gives
documentation. communities flexibility in how they hold
information for their authorized sig-
natory to WRAPReporting@dot.state. WRAP allocations must be spent by their meetings. “Allowing optional access
June 30, 2023, with final reimburse- to remote or hybrid meetings ensures the
ma.us. After the MassDOT contracts
ment requests submitted by July 15, opportunity for continuity of operation
are finalized, a Notice to Proceed will be at the municipal level in the face of
provided to municipalities, after which 2023. No contract extensions will be whatever eventualities arise,” Hai said.
work on the designated projects may
n WINTER ROADS continued on 20
begin.
May 2022 • The Beacon • 5
Senate OK’s $250M bill aimed at emissions reductions
By Josie Ahlberg programs. program will empower municipalities
On April 14, the Senate passed a $250 The Electric Vehicle Adoption Incen- to pursue the net-zero emissions goals
billion climate bill with a range of in- tive Trust Fund would offer consumers articulated in the 2021 Climate Act.”
vestments and tools intended to reduce rebates of $3,500 to $5,000 per electric Some cities and towns — such as
greenhouse gas emissions and promote vehicle. Brookline, Arlington, Lexington, Acton,
clean energy. Concord and Cambridge — had sought
The Senate bill includes a section,
The Senate bill (S. 2819) centers around strongly supported by the MMA, that fossil fuel bans on their own via home
three major blocks of funding: would establish a pilot program to allow rule petitions, but those efforts face
10 municipalities to adopt restrictions uncertainty under current state law. The
• $100 million to create a Clean Energy MMA stated that Section 52 of the bill
Investment Fund or bans on fossil fuel use in new build-
ing construction or major renovation “would provide opportunities for many
• $100 million to establish an Electric projects. of those municipalities — so long as
Vehicle Adoption Incentive Trust Fund they are approved as part of the pro-
In a letter to senators, the MMA wrote: posed demonstration program.”
• $50 million to further develop the “This innovative pilot program would set
electric vehicle charging infrastructure reasonable standards for municipal par- The House passed its own climate bill
across Massachusetts ticipation and would allow the Depart- (H. 4524), focused primarily on offshore
ment of Energy Resources to collect data wind and energy, on March 3. The House
The Clean Energy Investment Fund
on best practices, monitor emissions and Senate bills are expected to go to
would advance clean energy research
impacts, and evaluate cost implications a legislative conference committee to
and technology, as well as providing for
in participating cities and towns. This work out the differences. ●
workforce development and training
Senate passes wide-ranging cannabis bill
By Ali DiMatteo municipalities to appeal the decisions The MMA remains supportive of the
On April 7, the Senate unanimously The MMA continues to have concerns Senate bill’s provision to establish a
approved a bill that would implement about the process for crafting communi- Social Equity Trust Fund, which would
the most significant changes to state ty host agreements and setting commu- provide grants and loans to Economic
cannabis laws since the legalization of nity impact fees, which local leaders find Empowerment or Social Equity partici-
adult-use marijuana in 2017. burdensome and unpredictable. The Sen- pants.
While the bill passed by the Senate (S. ate did not adopt several amendments The MMA will continue to closely watch
2801) eliminated sections that would supported by the MMA that would help this issue and advocate for municipal
have retroactively interfered with to standardize impact fees and assist needs as the House takes up its own
existing host community agreements, municipalities in negotiating host com- cannabis bill. ●
the MMA continues to have concerns munity agreements.
about provisions that would expand the
powers of the Cannabis Control Com-
mission in ways that could undermine
established local authority and lead to
unpredictability in community impact
fees.
The MMA expressed its concerns about
the provisions in an April 6 letter to
senators.
The Senate did adopt several amend-
ments, supported by the MMA, that
would:
• Clarify that the Cannabis Control
Commission would not be required
to approve all host community
agreements
• Establish a 120-day review timeframe Mayors discuss transportation funding
for agreements the CCC does review Transportation Secretary Jamey Tesler gives an overview of transportation funding
• Establish criteria for reviewing and opportunities available through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law during the
rejecting host community agreements April 27 meeting of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association in Leominster.
and impact fees while allowing
6 • The Beacon • May 2022
Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program launches
By Adrienne Núñez enhancements
More than $5 billion in discretionary • Application of low-cost safety
grant funding for the new federal Safe treatments (rumble strips, flashing
Streets and Roads for All program will beacons, signage, etc.)
soon be available for municipalities,
• Traffic speed management projects
counties, special districts, metropolitan
planning organizations, and federally • Installation of safety enhancements
recognized tribal governments. including crosswalks, sidewalks, and
lighting for safe passage for people
Funded through the Bipartisan Infra-
walking, rolling, and using mobility
structure Law, the SS4A program is
assistive devices Municipalities will soon be able to use
overseen by the U.S. Department of
Transportation and intended to support • Creation of safe routes to schools funding from the new federal Safe
and public transit services through Streets and Roads for All program for
the National Roadway Safety Strategy
local projects.
and its goal of zero deaths and serious improved safe passage for people
injuries on U.S. roadways. walking, biking and rolling in
underserved communities Administrator Robin Hutcheson
The U.S. DOT announced that a Notice
of Funding Opportunity for the SS4A • Addressing alcohol-impaired driving • May 3, 1-3 p.m. (register): For
program is expected in May, with award Interested parties may subscribe to Metropolitan Planning Organizations,
announcements expected in late 2022 or email updates to receive program an- with opening remarks by Association
early 2023. nouncements. of Metropolitan Planning
Eligible projects include planning, Organizations Executive Director Bill
Informational webinars Keyrouze
design, development or updating of a The U.S. DOT is holding a series of we-
Comprehensive Safety Action Plan as binars this spring titled “Getting Ready A webinar was held on April 28 for tribal
well as implementation of Action Plan for the Safe Streets and Roads for All governments, with opening remarks by
activities. (SS4A) Program.” Advance registration USDOT Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Examples of possible projects include, is required. Tribal Affairs Arlando Teller.
but are not limited to: • May 2, 1-3 p.m. (register): For The webinars are being recorded, and
• Improvements along an expanded counties, cities, towns, other special the presentation and recordings will
multimodal roadway network with districts that are subdivisions of be posted on the SS4A Webinar Series
separated bicycle lanes and improved a state, and transit agencies, with page. For questions about the webinars,
safety for pedestrians opening remarks by Federal Motor contact SS4A@dot.gov. ●
• Community-informed street design Carrier Safety Administration Acting
Federal cyber agency asks organizations to share information
In this time of heightened risk due to nical guidance for network defenders,
the war in Ukraine, the U.S. Cybersecu- and free tools and services.
rity and Infrastructure Security Agency On March 21, the White House an-
is urging organizations to share infor- nounced that there “is now evolving
mation about cyber incidents in order to intelligence that Russia may be explor-
increase collective resilience in the face ing options for potential cyberattacks”
of global cyberthreats. against the United States in response
Sharing information about cyber inci- to economic sanctions resulting from
dents allows the CISA to fill critical in- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
formation gaps, rapidly deploy resources The White House urged organizations to
and render assistance to victims, ana- Federal cybersecurity officials urge or- implement a range of prevention strate-
lyze incoming information from across ganizations to share information about
gies, such as using multi-factor authen-
sectors to spot trends, and quickly share cyber incidents to bolster collective
defenses against attacks. tication, backing up data and ensuring
that information with network defend- offline backups, running exercises and
ers to warn other potential victims. emergency plans, encrypting data and
To facilitate the information-sharing tion about unusual cyber incidents or training employees.
process, the CISA developed a Cyber activity. Organizations were also advised to en-
Event Information Sharing Fact Sheet, gage proactively with their local FBI field
which provides stakeholders with clear The CISA is also encouraging organiza-
tions to use the wealth of resources on office or CISA regional office to establish
guidance about what to share, who
should share, and how to share informa- its Shields Up webpage, including tech- n CISA continued on 18
May 2022 • The Beacon • 7
AG, local leaders celebrate $525M opioid settlement
On April 5, Attorney General Maura
Healey joined municipal and health care
leaders from across the state, as well as
families harmed by the opioid epidemic, to
celebrate $525 million in funds that have
been secured for prevention, harm reduc-
tion, treatment and recovery programs
throughout Massachusetts.
As part of a $26 billion nationwide reso-
lution with the nation’s largest manufac-
turers and marketers of opioids, munic-
ipalities across the country were eligible
to sign-on to receive settlement funds to
abate the crisis in their communities.
Healey announced that, because of wide-
spread support from cities and towns,
Massachusetts will receive the maximum
amount under the settlements. In addi- MMA President and Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller (center) speaks at the April 5
tion, as the result of an agreement secured announcement about the opioid settlement. Also pictured are Attorney General Maura
by her office, all of the funds will go Healey (left) and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. (Photo courtesy Attorney General’s Office)
toward abatement resources for commu-
nities and families to address the devastat-
ing impact of the opioid crisis throughout allow us to directly support and positively regard for their legitimacy, and that
the state. impact residents who need it and create Johnson & Johnson misled patients and
More than $525 million will be coming proactive programming to ease the opioid doctors about their addictive nature.
into Massachusetts over the next 18 years, crisis.” From 2023 through 2038, the payments
starting this spring. Of that, more than Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said her ad- are expected annually, in July.
$210 million will be distributed directly to ministration will be “working closely with
Massachusetts municipalities, and more For more information on the statewide
public health experts and the recovery opioid settlements, visit the AG’s Office
than $310 million will go into the state- community to ensure every dollar of this
wide Opioid Recovery and Remediation FAQ page. ●
funding delivers impact.”
Fund to ensure that funds are spent on
harm reduction, treatment and preven- Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, who
tion. serves as president of the MMA, said,
“These funds give hope to thousands and
“Massachusetts led the nation in taking thousands of people. They’re going to for-
on the opioid industry, and we will lead tify the community-based programs that
the nation in delivering prevention, will meet people where they are. These
harm reduction, treatment and recovery,” funds will save lives.”
Healey said. “Cities and towns across our
state worked together to secure more than Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson
half a billion dollars, and we are commit- thanked Healey and her team “for holding
ted to using every dollar to provide the those who got us to this point account-
services that families need.” able and for their continued efforts to
assist those struggling with the disease of
At the April 5 press event, Amesbury addiction.”
Mayor Kassandra Gove was among the
local leaders acknowledging the impact of Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said the Polito reflects on
opioids in their community. settlement “will enable us to invest more Community One Stop
in overdose prevention and treatment,
“Amesbury is no stranger to the opioid Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito discusses the
public education, and other initiatives benefits of the administration’s 2-year-
crisis, with nearly a dozen deaths in the aimed at reducing addiction to opioids and old Community One Stop for Growth
last year due to opioid drugs,” Gove said. caring for those who are suffering from program during the April 20 virtual
“It has impacted our families and our this crisis.” meeting of the Local Government
neighborhoods, from how people care for Advisory Commission. She said the
their physical and mental health to how The settlements are the result of an
program grew out of conversations
our teachers support and provide for our investigation that found that three major
with local officials, who have until
students in classrooms.” opioid distributors — Cardinal, McKes- June 3 to apply for the program’s
son, and AmerisourceBergen — shipped current round of grants.
She said the settlement funding “will thousands of suspicious orders without
8 • The Beacon • May 2022
Administration awards Green Communities grants
By John Ouellette greenhouse gas emissions terms, the
During an event in Lawrence on April 13, projects are estimated to reduce emissions
the administration awarded $8.3 million by the equivalent to taking nearly 700 cars
in Green Communities competitive grants off the road.
to 64 municipalities. “The innovative and cost-effective projects
The competitive grants support energy receiving grants will increase energy effi-
efficiency and renewable energy projects ciency and clean energy use in municipal
that further the designated communities’ buildings and vehicles across the Com-
clean energy goals. The grants are awarded monwealth, significantly helping our state
to Green Communities that have success- achieve its long-term emissions reduction
requirements,” Gov. Charlie Baker said at Gov. Charlie Baker (right) presents a
fully invested their initial designation
the press event, where he was joined by Green Communities award to Lawrence
grants and previous competitive grant Mayor Brian DePeña during an April 13
awards. Energy and Environmental Affairs Secre-
tary Kathleen Theoharides and Depart- visit to the city. Also pictured are Energy
According to the Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary
ment of Energy Resources Commissioner Kathleen Theoharides and Department
Resources, the grants will help to fund a Patrick Woodcock.
range of projects, from ventilation system of Energy Resources Commissioner Pat-
Theoharides said the local projects will rick Woodcock. (Photo courtesy Joshua
upgrades to the installation of insulation Qualls/Governor’s Press Office)
and energy management systems at “reduce harmful greenhouse gas emis-
municipal buildings and facilities. Projects sions and lower municipal energy costs.”
also include installations of air-source heat Achieving long-term climate goals in Mas-
pumps, hybrid police cruisers, and electric sachusetts “will not be possible without Communities account for 87% of the
vehicle charging stations. (Click here for collaboration and partnerships at all levels state’s population.
details of the project awards.) of government,” she said.
Since 2010, the DOER has awarded $153
Once completed, the grant-supported To receive funding, cities and towns must million in designation grants and com-
projects are estimated to yield energy earn the Green Communities designation petitive grants to Green Communities.
savings comparable to the amount of by meeting five criteria defined by the The grants are funded through proceeds
energy consumed by 339 Massachusetts Green Communities Act. According to the from carbon allowance auctions under the
households, according to the DOER. In DOER, the current roster of 280 Green Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. ●
Disaster Declaration ensures federal assistance for January storm
President Joe Biden issued a Major Disas- snow removal costs, and repairing, replac-
ter Declaration on April 18 for the severe ing, restoring or reconstructing damaged
winter storm that hit Massachusetts on public facilities and infrastructure. Snow
Jan. 28 and 29, making federal disaster removal costs are reimbursable only when
assistance available to cities and towns, a county receives a record snowfall, or
state agencies, and certain nonprofits to comes within 90% of the record snowfall.
help cover storm-related response and Federal disaster funds will also be available
repair costs. for projects that will mitigate the costs and
Total reimbursable costs for the storm are Federal disaster assistance is available impacts of future disasters.
expected to exceed $13 million, according for communities most affected by the
In the near future, MEMA said it will
to the Baker-Polito administration, which severe winter storm that hit the state in
late January. announce a series of information sessions
had requested the federal disaster assis- in the impacted counties to explain the
tance. process for applying for federal disaster
The Major Disaster Declaration for Public and nonprofits to document and assess assistance to municipal and state officials
Assistance, including Snow Assistance, storm costs and pursue the federal disaster and eligible nonprofits.
supports Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth declaration. She said MEMA will now work “From the first indications of any dynamic
and Suffolk counties, and the Mashpee to ensure that the federal resources are weather system, the Baker-Polito adminis-
Wampanoag Tribe. Each of the four coun- “delivered as quickly as possible.” tration remains in close contact with local,
ty’s eligible storm costs exceeded federal state and federal officials to prepare for
financial thresholds under the Public Affected local governments, state agencies
and some private nonprofit organizations and mitigate impact,” said Public Safety
Assistance Program. and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.
in the declared jurisdictions will be reim-
Massachusetts Emergency Management bursed for 75% of their costs associated “Securing these federal funds sustains the
Agency Acting Director Dawn Brantley with response and emergency protective ongoing recovery efforts and creates new
said her agency and the Federal Emergency measures, including storm-related over- opportunities for our municipal, state, and
Management Agency worked closely with time for first responders, clearing debris nonprofit partners.” ●
affected cities and towns, state agencies from public roads and public property,
May 2022 • The Beacon • 9
MSA holds Western Mass. Conference
By Isabelle Nichols local police departments.
The Massachusetts Select Board Associ- Wynn serves on the POST
ation’s second Western Massachusetts Commission.
Municipal Conference, held on Saturday, Heath Fahle, assistant
April 9, in Easthampton, focused on secretary for federal funds
some of the unique challenges facing the at the Executive Office
region. for Administration and
The conference was co-sponsored by the Finance, gave an update on
Berkshire Regional Planning Commis- funds provided to state and
sion, the Franklin Regional Council of local governments through
Governments, the Pioneer Valley Plan- the ARPA.
ning Commission, and the Rural Policy Following Fahle’s overview,
Advisory Commission. Holyoke Community De-
velopment Director Alicia Rep. Daniel Carey (left), Sen. Joanne Comerford
The conference kicked off with a leg- (center) and Rep. Natalie Blais discuss their legislative
islative panel featuring Rep.
Natalie Zoeller discussed how
priorities during the Western Massachusetts Municipal
Blais of the 1st Franklin District, Rep. her city is managing its Conference on April 9 in Easthampton.
Daniel Carey of the 2nd Hampshire ARPA funding, including
District, and Sen. Joanne Comerford of planning and community
the Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester engagement, allocation of funds, and gional Council of Governments, gave an
District. tracking and reporting on the funding. overview of regional population trends
and development challenges, including
The legislators discussed priorities for a deep dive into COVID-19 impacts on
the remainder of the legislative session,
including the state’s remaining American
Ben Tafoya, director of development.
Rescue Plan Act funding, mental health the Division of Local Great Barrington Assistant Town Man-
ager and Planning Director Christopher
care in schools, privacy and security of Mandates, discussed a Rembold discussed how population
personal data, and exploring the impact
that unpaved roads have on small towns. recent study by the Office shifts and development challenges have
Following the panel, a number of of the State Auditor, affected his town. He also gave an over-
view of some immediate and near-term
workshops covered topics such as police “Public Infrastructure in strategies his town is implementing to
reform and its impact on small towns,
ARPA funding and economic recovery Western Massachusetts: address the challenges.
from the pandemic, the impacts of post- A Critical Need for Ben Tafoya, director of the Division
COVID population shifts on housing of Local Mandates, discussed a recent
affordability, and the state of public
Regional Investment and study by the Office of the State Auditor,
infrastructure in western Massachusetts. Revitalization.” Public Infrastructure in Western Mas-
sachusetts: A Critical Need for Regional
Discussing police reform, Pittsfield Investment and Revitalization. The study
Police Chief Michael Wynn and Deerfield Alyssa Larose, real estate project man- examined multiple aspects of public
Police Chief John Paciorek provided an ager/housing development director for infrastructure in western Massachusetts
overview of Chapter 253 of the Acts of the Franklin County Regional Housing and called for a Rural Rescue Plan that
2020 (generally known as the policing and Redevelopment Authority, and would increase funding for the Chapter
reform law), the Peace Officer Standards Jessica Atwood, economic development 90 local road and bridge program by
and Training Commission, and the im- program manager for the Franklin Re- 50%, to $300 million annually; create a
pact that the new standards will have on public infrastructure agency; and contin-
ue investments in expanding access to
broadband internet.
LGAC discusses
Sen. Comerford discussed what is being
education funding done through legislation to address
During the April 20 virtual meeting of the some of the challenges identified in the
Local Government Advisory Commission, report, including roads, bridges, and
Sandwich Town Manager Bud Dunham culverts; water and sewer infrastructure;
discusses the House’s plan to increase municipal and public safety buildings;
Chapter 70 minimum aid per student green and healthy public schools; PILOT
from $30 to $60 in the fiscal 2023 state funding; and regional rail.
budget. He said the increase would have a
major impact for the 136 school districts Nearly 100 municipal officials and key
that are minimum aid districts. stakeholders attended the conference. ●
10 • The Beacon • May 2022Human Services Council discusses impacts of COVID
By Isabelle Nichols food insecurity.
The MMA Human Services Council’s Andrea Egmont, director of Youth and
first meeting of the year, on April 28 in Recreational Services in Newburyport,
Westborough, focused on the impacts of discussed a community-driven initiative
COVID-19 on Massachusetts residents. in her city to support positive youth
UMass Amherst economist Marta Vi- development. The initiative, called Youth-
carelli and a team of researchers from the rive, is a systemic approach to working
UMass School of Public Policy gave a pre- with young people, developing services
sentation about their recently released and supports, designing programs, and
research report, “Impacts of COVID-19: A organizing in the community with the
Tony Serio, assistant director of Youth goal of ensuring young people are em-
Survey of Massachusetts Households.” and Family Services in Lexington, dis- powered, engaged, supported, inspired
Vicarelli and her team focused on key cusses mental health services provided and valued.
findings relevant to human services by his department during the MMA
professionals. They said the survey found Human Services Council meeting on HSC President Laura Ducharme, the
that Massachusetts households experi- April 28 in Westborough. community resources coordinator in
enced significant effects on income and Acton, discussed her town’s child care
careers, child care and educational out- subsidy program, which, in partnership
comes, and mental and physical health and Family Services in Lexington, dis- with Boxborough, Littleton, Maynard
during the pandemic’s first year. cussed the mental health services that and Westford, has been able to provide
his department provides for community grants for child care to families that are
Following the presentation, a panel of traditionally ineligible for vouchers but
members. He also discussed two critical
local human services professionals dis- still struggle to cover the costs of care.
areas of need that Lexington will fund
cussed initiatives that their communities Ducharme said Acton will be allocating
with American Rescue Plan Act money
have developed to address some of the some ARPA funding to continue these
in the years ahead: connecting residents
challenges detailed in the report. subsidies into the next two fiscal years. ●
with mental health clinicians through
Tony Serio, assistant director of Youth Eliot Human Services, and addressing
Solid waste challenges discussed at MassRecycle Conference
By Josie Ahlberg
The MassRecycle Conference on March
31 and April 1, co-sponsored by the
MMA, featured energetic conversations
on challenges and solutions related to
solid waste and recycling services, loom-
ing waste bans, and extended producer
responsibility.
Local officials, industry professionals
and environmental advocates were
eager to discuss several bills related to
mattress, paint, electronics and smoke
detector recycling currently before the
Joint Committee on Environment,
Natural Resources and Agriculture, as
well as a pending, wide-ranging bill on
environmental issues. Local officials, industry professionals and environmental advocates discuss solid waste
and recycling services during the MassRecycle Conference.
A bill seeking to address rising recycling
costs in Massachusetts (H. 878) was a
hot topic during a panel discussion on Panelists assured attendees that states Public works officials, solid waste and
extended producer responsibility. H. 878 such as Maine and Oregon that have im- recycling industry experts, and sustain-
would establish a comprehensive EPR plemented EPR programs have not seen ability advocates were clearly invigorat-
system for packaging, requiring produc- increases in consumer costs. The MMA ed by the conference, which was held as
ers to reimburse municipalities for the has expressed support for the approach the Legislature is considering a number
costs of recycling packaging materials. and goals of H. 878 and is hopeful to see of pertinent bills. ●
the Legislature enact the bill.
May 2022 • The Beacon • 11MMHR to hold HR101 boot camp in Wrentham on May 12
The Massachusetts Ann Hess Braga
Municipal Human The boot camp is geared toward newer
Resources associ- municipal human resources profession-
ation will offer its als, but veterans in the field are welcome
annual HR101 boot to attend for a refresher course.
camp as a full-day,
in-person event on Registration and networking will begin
May 12 in Wren- at 8:30 a.m. The program will start at 9
tham. a.m., and lunch will be served.
The boot camp will Mary Beth Bernard Teresa Cruz Foley Elizabeth Valerio
The boot camp will be held at Lake Pearl,
cover core functions 299 Creek St. in Wrentham.
of the municipal HR The registration fee is $75 for members
office, including trends in negotiations undertake diversity, equity, inclusion
and belonging initiatives and $85 for nonmembers. A registration
related to COVID, first steps in creating link is available at www.mma.org.
a diversity, equity, and inclusion plan • Elizabeth Valerio, partner at Valerio,
for cities and towns, key components Dominello & Hillman, who will cover On the day of this in-person meeting,
of an HR audit, and an HR101 round- legal trends in labor law, with a focus attendees will be required to show proof
table with seasoned human resources on trends in negotiations related to of being fully vaccinated for COVID
professionals. COVID (card, photo or QR code). (Religious or
medical exemptions are allowed with
Featured speakers will include: • An HR101 roundtable discussion a negative PCR test taken within 72
• Wrentham Human Resources Director covering topics like recruitment, remote hours.) Masks are optional. These safety
Mary Beth Bernard, who will discuss work policies, employee training, protocols are subject to change based
“big ticket” items in human resources and managing discrimination claims, on the latest public health data and
audits featuring Danvers Assistant Town guidance.
Manager and Communications Director
• Teresa Cruz Foley, founder and lead Jen Breaker, Avon Town Administrator Contact: MMA Senior Member Services
consultant of Brave Space Consulting, Greg Enos, Lexington Human Resourc- Coordinator Isabelle Nichols at
who will explore the first steps for es Director Anne Graglia-Kostos, and inichols@mma.org
municipal HR managers looking to Brookline Human Resources Director
MMHR to discuss federal drug and alcohol testing rules for CDLs
On June 16, the Massachusetts Munic- The annual meeting will be held at attendees will be required to show proof
ipal Human Resources Annual Meeting Grandview Farm, 55 Center St. in Burl- of being fully vaccinated for COVID
will cover federal drug and alcohol ington. (card, photo or QR code). (Religious or
testing requirements for those with Registration and networking will begin medical exemptions are allowed with
commercial driver’s licenses. at 8:30 a.m. The program will start at 9 a negative PCR test taken within 72
Municipal employers must comply with a.m., and lunch will be served. hours.) Masks are optional. These safety
mandatory drug and alcohol regulations protocols are subject to change based
The registration fee is $40 for members on the latest public health data and
from the U.S. Department of Transpor- and $55 for nonmembers. A registra-
tation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety guidance.
tion link will be available at
Administration for CDL drivers. Any www.mma.org in early May. Contact: MMA Senior Member Services
employer of CDL drivers must follow a Coordinator Isabelle Nichols at
specific set of drug and alcohol testing On the day of this in-person meeting, inichols@mma.org
rules, and noncompliance can result in
fines for the organization.
Ted Dawson, owner of Advantage Drug Mayors get law update
Testing, will lead a comprehensive train- Lauren Goldberg, managing partner
ing about the federal regulations and at KP|Law, discusses the top five law
what municipal employers need to know questions currently facing municipal-
to ensure compliance. ities during the Massachusetts May-
The MMHR Annual Meeting will include ors’ Association’s monthly meeting on
a vote on the fiscal 2023 budget and April 27 in Leominster. Topics includ-
MMHR board slate; presentation of the ed the handling of public meetings
2022 Skop Award; and an MMA legis- and opportunities for hybrid options.
lative update from Legislative Director
Dave Koffman.
12 • The Beacon • May 2022You can also read
