House OK's $3.8B ARPA/surplus plan
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Vol. XLVIII, No. 10 A Publication of the Massachusetts Municipal Association | www.mma.org November 2021
House OK’s $3.8B ARPA/surplus plan
By Jackie Lavender Bird for the Community Preservation Trust ing production.
On Oct. 29, the House unanimously Fund.
Environment and climate
passed a $3.82 billion bill to spend a sig- The House bill (H. 4219) targets seven The bill includes $350 million for
nificant portion of the state’s multi-bil- major spending categories: housing, environmental infrastructure and
lion dollar fiscal 2021 surplus and its environment and climate change mitiga- development spending, with a focus on
allocation from the American Rescue tion, economic development, workforce, environmental justice communities. Tar-
Plan Act’s State and Local Coronavirus health and human services, education, geted investments include Marine Port
Relief Fund. and food insecurity. Development and Offshore Wind, envi-
During debate, the House added $174 The Senate is expected to take up its ronmental infrastructure projects aimed
million to the bill released by the Ways own surplus/ARPA spending bill in at bolstering communities’ climate re-
and Means Committee on Oct. 25, the coming weeks. It is unclear if the siliency, water and sewer infrastructure
mostly in the form of legislative ear- Legislature will be able to get a final bill improvements, greening the Gateway
marks. to the governor before the end of formal Cities, and upgrades to state parks and
legislative sessions on Nov. 17. recreational facilities.
The House included funding for a
number of programs supported by the The following are the highlights of the Of the $350 million, $100 million would
MMA in the areas of housing, water and House bill: go to low-income, environmental justice
sewer infrastructure, and environmental and urban communities to improve
infrastructure, but did not include two Housing climate resiliency. A $100 million water
amendments that were strongly backed The $600 million proposed for housing and sewer infrastructure component
by the MMA: one to provide $50 million programs includes targeted investments also prioritizes projects that support
in supplemental funding for the Chapter in supportive housing production, environmental justice populations and
90 local roads and bridges program and public housing maintenance, homeown- those disproportionately impacted by
one to provide an additional $10 million ership assistance, the CommonWealth
Building Program, and affordable hous- n ARPA continued on 32
Inside Anthony Everett to be Annual
Meeting’s Friday night speaker
Congress continues talks By Jennifer Kavanaugh “As we travel the
on infrastructure bills...............5 Drawing from his travels around Massa- 351 cities and
chusetts, Emmy-winning journalist and towns of the
television host Anthony Everett will help Commonwealth,
EPA announces national
members celebrate the Bay State on Jan. 21, I am constantly
PFAS strategy........................... 6 amazed how many
2022, as the Friday evening speaker at the
MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show. incredible stories
State names 34 Cyber each one holds,” he
Aware Communities.................7 Everett has hosted WCVB Channel 5’s said. “It really is a
“Chronicle,” the nation’s longest-running, testament to the
locally produced newsmagazine, for 16 Anthony Everett ingenuity, creativity,
MassDEP releases Solid years. On the show, Everett explores the
Waste Master Plan................... 9 resourcefulness
“Main Streets and Back Roads” of the and inventiveness of the people of Massa-
region, serving as part storyteller and part chusetts, and it is one of the main reasons
Around the Commonwealth............ 18 ambassador for its best offerings. From ‘Chronicle’ is celebrating its 40th year on
patrolling the Nantucket coast in a boat the air in 2022. Having the chance to visit
People.................................................24
with the town’s harbormaster to exploring their communities and tell their stories is a
a haunted covered bridge in Greenfield, privilege.”
Classifieds..........................................28
Everett provides viewers with vicarious ex-
periences of the hidden and not-so-hidden A native of New York City, Everett first
Calendar.............................................33
gems of Massachusetts.
n EVERETT continued on 26
2021 MMA
Board of Directors Executive Director’s Report
The MMA Board of Directors holds regular
meetings in Boston, followed by a meeting of Incivility on the rise, another harmful
symptom of the pandemic
the Local Government Advisory Commission
with the administration. For information on
the board’s activities, call the office of MMA Local leaders have presided over may find the going very slow and
Executive Director Geoff Beckwith at 617-426-
a remarkable period of disrup- take longer to get momentum.
7272.
tion and uncertainty, navigating Systemic problems that persisted
Executive Committee their communities through a before the pandemic have been
Adam Chapdelaine, MMA President devastating pandemic that has exacerbated. The wealth gap has
Town Manager, Arlington touched every person. Decades increased, and the health gap has
Ruthanne Fuller, MMA Vice President from now, when historians docu- widened as well. Historically dis-
Mayor, Newton ment the major lessons learned,
Cecilia Calabrese, MMA Immediate Past
advantaged populations, primari-
I believe that local government By Geoffrey ly our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous,
President and unheralded officials in their
Councillor, Agawam Beckwith and people of color) neighbors,
hometowns will be recognized as who have been on the short end
Michael Bettencourt, MSA President
Select Board Member, Winchester true difference-makers who responded of the wealth and health spectrum, were
Lisa Blackmer, MMCA President with extraordinary speed and innovation hit much harder by COVID and we now
Councillor, North Adams to save countless people from illness and find that there is much more ground to
Brian Boyle, ATFC President death, and kept the fabric of our society make up in the pursuit of a more equitable
Finance Committee, Bolton stitched together during the most difficult society.
George “Bud” Dunham, MMMA First Vice of times.
President The pandemic has caused so much pain,
Town Manager, Sandwich We are only beginning to understand the and yet we’ve seen so much resilience,
Scott Galvin, MMaA President long-term impact that the past 20 months and so much adaptation. Science has
Mayor, Woburn will have on the U.S. and the world going given us vaccines and testing, health
Julie Jacobson, MMMA President forward. Like an axe that strikes but does professionals have given us treatment and
Town Manager, Auburn not fell a tree, the wounds and scars of guidance, technology has given us Zoom
Jeovanny Rodriguez, MMCA First Vice COVID-19 will be visible for many years, and WebEx, and government leaders
President and will shape the way we grow. For some, have used all these tools to create a new
Councillor, Lawrence the tragic loss of family members, friends
John Trickey, ATFC First Vice President normal, with most of society finding
or loved ones will be acutely painful more stable ground to stand on, and more
Finance Committee, Pelham
forever. For others, the stark isolation balance in daily life. Most businesses are
Linda Tyer, MMaA First Vice President
Mayor, Pittsfield and separation required for our physical reformatted and open, schools are back
Michael Walsh, MSA First Vice President
health have led to depression and mental in person, Fenway Park has hosted record
Select Board Member, Westwood health struggles. Many have been or will crowds. City and town halls, local boards
Geoff Beckwith (non-voting) be forced to shutter their businesses, and public agencies are opening back up
MMA Executive Director transition to different vocations, and face to in-person engagement, following new
the prospect of lower incomes and fewer protocols. People are finding their rhythm
Brian Arrigo, Mayor, Revere
opportunities. Those at the end of their and making do.
Steve Bartha, Town Manager, Danvers careers may cease working earlier than
Lisa Braccio, Selectman, Southborough they planned, and those just starting out n DIRECTOR’S REPORT continued on 27
Ralph Figy, Councillor, Westfield
Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, Andover
Claire Freda, Councillor, Leominster
Jill Hai, Select Board, Lexington
Andrew Hogeland, Select Board, Williamstown
TheBeacon Periodicals Postage Paid at Boston, MA, and
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November 2021 | Volume XLVIII, Number 10 TheBeacon (ISSN 0199-235X) is published monthly,
Donna Holaday, Mayor, Newburyport Copyright © 2021, Massachusetts Municipal Association except for a combined July-August issue, by the
Thomas Hutcheson, Town Manager, Dalton Manager of Communications & Massachusetts Municipal Association, 3 Center
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We encourage readers to send comments, story ideas, news
Arthur Vigeant, Mayor, Marlborough 617-426-7272 • www.mma.org items, and events notices to editor@mma.org.
Kristi Williams, Town Manager, Westborough Twitter and Facebook: @massmunicipal
2 • The Beacon • November 2021
Registrations pour in for in-person MMA Annual Meeting
By John Ouellette executive
A flood of registrations indicates that MMA director of
members can’t wait to get together again in the National
person for the 43rd MMA Annual Meeting League of
& Trade Show, which will be held on Jan. Cities
21 and 22, 2022, at the Hynes Convention • Friday dinner
Center and Sheraton Hotel in Boston. speaker
The largest conference for municipal offi- Anthony
cials in the state features: Everett, the
longtime
• Informative and timely workshops on top host of the
municipal issues “Chronicle”
• Compelling and inspiring speakers newsmagazine
• Member business meetings and Over two days, Members network during the 2020 MMA Annual Meeting & Trade
important policy discussions 18 workshops Show at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. The event will
will cover key return in-person this January.
• A robust Trade Show featuring the latest municipal issues
services and solutions for cities and towns
such as climate
• Countless networking opportunities change adaptation and resilience, a mu- The Trade Show will be open on Friday,
The MMA’s Annual Meeting website has nicipal law update, a state and local fiscal Jan. 21, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday,
the very latest information about this outlook, advancing diversity in public safe- Jan. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Compa-
dynamic, timely and engaging conference, ty, community engagement, cybersecurity, nies, nonprofits and government agencies
which is a forum for learning and a celebra- energy, placemaking, housing, labor law, interested in exhibiting at the meeting can
tion of the innovations and best practices wellness and energizing your workforce, find details and contract information on
in community governance. board relations, recycling, Community One the MMA website.
Stop, transportation, the future of work,
The 2022 MMA Annual Meeting theme is adult-use marijuana, and police reform. First-time Annual Meeting attendees
“Recover. Renew. Reimagine.” will get a special welcome during an
Workshop titles, descriptions and panelists event-opening orientation session from 8
The speaker lineup includes: will be published later this month. De- to 9 a.m. The session is an opportunity to
• Opening keynote Eric Termuende, a scriptions of Learning Lab sessions, to be learn from seasoned MMA members about
globally recognized speaker, author and held on the Trade Show floor, will also be the best strategies for making the most of
podcaster on the future of work published in November. the Annual Meeting experience as well as
• Former Gov. Jane Swift at the Women The MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show MMA membership.
Elected Municipal Officials Leadership attracts well more than 1,000 local leaders The MMA is taking precautions in order to
Luncheon and more than 225 exhibitors. The last host a safe, in-person event, and is closely
in-person event, in January 2020, was monitoring health and safety guidance
• Closing session speaker Clarence attended by a record 1,300 local leaders.
Anthony, a former mayor and current n ANNUAL MEETING continued on 21
MMA Trade Show is opportunity to learn about municipal products
By Karen LaPointe A series of educational Learning Labs
Trade Show vendors are looking forward will be held in the exhibit hall on Satur-
to meeting local officials during the day, Jan. 22. (Details will be available on
in-person MMA Annual Meeting & the MMA website in December.)
Trade Show at the Hynes Convention The exhibit hall will also feature the new
Center in January. MIIA Simulator, with new training mod-
The Trade Show is a great place to meet ules — an entertaining and educational
with vendors that you haven’t seen for a opportunity to test your driving skills.
while, as well as new vendors who have The MMA is taking precautions to host Members will be able to interact with
products and services to help you run a safe, in-person event and will closely exhibitors in person again at the 2022
your community. monitor health and safety guidance Trade Show on Jan. 21 and 22.
The Trade Show will be open on Friday, from public health officials. (See related
Jan. 21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on story or MMA Annual Meeting web-
Saturday, Jan. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 site for details.) By signing the MMA they have COVID-19, any symptoms of
p.m. Contract for Exhibit Space, vendors COVID-19, or recent contact with
agree that they will not attend should
n TRADE SHOW continued on 27
November 2021 • The Beacon • 3
Under new law, Legislature adopts district maps
By Dave Koffman their reprecincting process, as long as
On Oct. 3, Gov. Charlie Baker signed they finish by Dec. 15.
legislation to make a one-time change Normally, cities and towns use data
in the decennial redistricting process by from the U.S. Census Bureau every 10
letting state lawmakers draw legislative years to update their precinct lines,
districts first and then giving municipal- which are then used by state leaders
ities 30 days to finalize their own voting to redraw federal and state legislative
precinct lines. districts. Because of the federal govern-
Facing a truncated timeline to pass ment’s pandemic-related delay in gener-
redistricting legislation affecting federal ating official Census numbers, cities and
and state legislative districts, lawmakers towns have been unable to finalize their
sought to reverse the conventional order reprecincting process.
and have the state enact redistricting In the House district map, 33 of the 160 Throughout the legislative process, the
legislation prior to new municipal pre- House districts would be majority-mi- MMA made the case that legislation to
cinct maps being finalized. nority districts, an increase from the shift the reprecincting process to after
On Oct. 28, the Legislature finished its current 20. redistricting could add significant confu-
work on new House and Senate district sion and complexity to the electoral pro-
boundaries, set to be in effect for the cess in areas where legislative districts
2022 state election cycle. from the House and Senate. bisect precincts. This is particularly
important in cities and towns that use
The House and Senate maps both Legislative leaders released draft maps precincts to elect city and town council-
propose an increase in the number of new congressional and Governor’s lors, school committees, town meeting
of majority-minority districts, where Council districts on Nov. 1. members, or other officials. Members
non-white residents make up a majority Though the so-called reprecincting law are strongly encouraged to work closely
of the district’s population. Out of 160 delays the official municipal reprecinct- with their state legislative delegation to
House districts, 33 will be majority-mi- ing process until after the Legislature reconcile any potential issues to their
nority districts, an increase from the concludes its mapping of state and local reprecincting process. ●
current 20. For the 40 Senate districts, federal districts, it does not require
the figure will double to six (from three). precincts to follow legislative district
Gov. Baker has 10 days to review the lines. Once the Legislature has complet-
new district legislation. It’s unclear if ed the state and federal districts, cities
he has any concerns with the proposals and towns will have 30 days to complete
Senate passes comprehensive election reform bill
By Dave Koffman eligible individuals on election day and
On Oct. 6, the Massachusetts Senate during early voting periods
overwhelmingly passed a comprehensive • Direct sheriffs and corrections officials
election reform bill (S. 2545) to codify to assist eligible incarcerated voters to
many temporary election allowances learn their electoral rights and apply
implemented due to the COVID-19 for and cast ballots by mail
pandemic, such as vote by mail and early The bill now heads to the House, where
voting in-person. there is strong interest in passing an
The bill includes new provisions as well, election reforms package this legislative
such as same-day voter registration and • Codify early voting in person for at session.
increased ballot access for incarcerated least two weeks before regular state In July, the Legislature passed a sup-
individuals and voters with disabilities. elections and for one week before plemental budget that included many
The bill would: state primaries and special elections extensions for temporary election
(including weekends with the provisions, such as no-excuse absentee
• Permanently allow no-excuse vote-by- exception of the final weekend prior to
mail for all elections voting and in-person early voting. These
each election) allowances were first instituted due to
• Provide a local option for • Provide a local option for early voting the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of
municipalities to set up secure drop in person for municipal elections 2020 and are currently set to expire on
boxes for collection of mail-in ballots Dec. 15, 2021. ●
• Allow same-day voter registration for
4 • The Beacon • November 2021
Talks continue on 2 major infrastructure bills
By Jackie Lavender Bird and $5 billion for a competitive National Congressional leaders are looking to
On Oct. 28, following weeks of negoti- Infrastructure Project Assistance pro- pass the Build Back Better plan using
ations, President Joe Biden announced gram to allow communities to complete the budget reconciliation process, which
a new framework for his $1.75 trillion critical large projects that would other- provides for expedited consideration of
Build Back Better infrastructure plan, wise be too expensive. high-priority fiscal legislation. Under
one of two major spending bills before Two existing formula programs, the reconciliation, amendments are limited
Congress right now. Clean Water and Drinking Water State in scope, and the bill is not subject to
Revolving Funds, would each receive filibuster in the Senate.
The other bill is the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act, a $1 trillion $11.7 billion over five years (49% for Democrats do not need Republican
bipartisan plan that has passed in the principal forgiveness and grants, 51% support in order to pass the reconcilia-
Senate and is now before the House. for loans). tion bill, but they do need support from
The White House has released a fact every Democratic senator and all but a
The Infrastructure Investment and handful of Democratic House members.
Jobs Act includes $550 billion in new sheet about what the bill would mean
for Massachusetts. This has resulted in lengthy negotiations
spending for public transit, passenger over what the final bill will include, as
rail, bridges, water and sewer systems, The $1.75 trillion Build Back Better well as the grand total.
high-speed internet, electric vehicle spending package includes investments
infrastructure, and investments in the of note to municipalities including Centrist Democrats objected to the
electric grid to support the expansion of workforce development, climate change initial price tag, and progressive Dem-
renewable energy. The bill would provide mitigation and resilience funding, and ocrats objected to removing any of the
infrastructure support to municipalities affordable housing initiatives. The plan proposed investments. The progressive
in the form of direct grants as well as also includes funding for technical caucus has stated that its members will
funds that would pass through existing assistance to local governments through not vote for the Investment and Infra-
state programs. a new Rural Partnership Program that’s structure Jobs Act without Congress
intended to help small and rural com- first passing the Build Back Better plan.
New programs that would provide direct
funding to municipalities include $5 munities that are often excluded from The House could take a vote on one or
billion for a Safe Streets for All program federal grant opportunities. both plans in the coming days or weeks.
●
MMHR Labor Relations webinar features diversity and inclusion expert
By Isabelle Nichols feeling stuck, being open to answering
Malia Lazu, an award-winning, tenured loaded questions, creating spaces for
strategist in diversity and inclusion, ally work to happen, and supporting
was the keynote speaker during the first employee resource and affinity groups.
session of the Massachusetts Municipal Following the keynote, MMA Legisla-
Human Resources association’s Labor tive Director Dave Koffman provided
Relations webinar series on Oct. 22. a legislative update, including recent
Lazu focused on the importance of actions in the area of police reform,
organizational culture in creating an COVID-19 related paid sick leave, and
inclusive workplace and tools that mu- Strategist Malia Lazu discusses how state and federal vaccine mandates for
municipal human resources directors can employees. Koffman discussed a number
nicipal human resources directors and foster effective culture change during
department heads can use to foster ef- of areas to watch on the 2022 legislative
the first session of the Massachusetts agenda, including the open meeting law
fective culture change. In order to take a Municipal Human Resources associa-
diversity, equity and inclusion plan from and remote/hybrid meetings, cyberse-
tion’s Labor Relations webinar series on
intention to impact, she said, employ- Oct. 22.
curity, elections, and state-level ARPA
ers must focus on goal setting, systems priorities.
change, and a shared understanding The webinar concluded with a labor law
across the organization. and history; learning together with update from attorney Katherine Feodo-
Lazu reviewed the history of culture in colleagues about the current culture and roff, a partner with Mead, Talerman &
the United States, pointing out that cul- problems within the organization; and Costa, who reviewed recent legal cases
ture change must start from an under- taking loving action to make changes. and guidance related to the Massachu-
standing of where we are and where we setts Domestic Violence and Abuse
Lazu emphasized the importance of cul- Leave Act, sexual orientation and gen-
are coming from. She shared a number ture change leaders getting buy-in from
of tools that can be used by leaders of der identity, and discrimination based
other managers and department heads. on age, race, and disability. Feodoroff
organizational culture change, includ- This can be accomplished by regularly
ing the Three Ls: listening to diverse addressed a number of COVID-related
sharing the work that is being done, issues, including guidance from the
communities about their experiences being open about places where you are
n LABOR RELATIONS continued on 26
November 2021 • The Beacon • 5
EPA announces national strategy to confront PFAS
On Oct. 18, U.S. Environmental Protec- these critical resources will enable the EPA
tion Agency Administrator Michael Regan and other federal agencies to scale up the
announced a strategic roadmap to con- research and work to meet the scale of the
front PFAS contamination nationwide. PFAS challenge.
The roadmap is the result of an analysis Over the coming weeks, the EPA will be
conducted by the EPA Council on PFAS, engaging with a wide range of stakehold-
which was established six months ago. It is ers to continue to identify collaborative
centered on three guiding strategies: solutions to the PFAS challenge. The
• Increase investments in research agency was scheduled to host two national
webinars, on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.
• Leverage authorities to take action now
to restrict PFAS chemicals from being There are currently no federal standards
released into the environment for PFAS contamination in drinking water,
but Massachusetts has been working to
• Accelerate the cleanup of PFAS contam- regulate the chemicals statewide. A year
ination ago, the Baker-Polito administration an-
“For far too long, families across Amer- nounced final drinking water regulations
ica — especially those in underserved establishing a maximum contaminant
communities — have suffered from PFAS level of 20 parts per trillion for the sum
in their water, their air, or in the land their of six PFAS compounds. The regulations
children play on,” Regan said in a prepared under the Toxic Substances Control Act require public water suppliers to test for
statement. “This comprehensive, national to address those that are insufficiently the six compounds, called PFAS6, and
PFAS strategy will deliver protections to protective to take remedial actions when amounts
people who are hurting, by advancing bold exceed the limit.
• Increased monitoring, data collection
and concrete actions that address the full and research so that the agency can The Massachusetts Department of Envi-
lifecycle of these chemicals.” identify what actions are needed and ronmental Protection maintains an inter-
PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl substanc- when to take them active web portal that tracks PFAS testing
es, are also known as “forever chemicals.” results, remedial actions taken by public
• A final toxicity assessment for “GenX water suppliers, and funding opportuni-
Because they are water soluble, over time chemicals” that can be used to develop
these chemicals from firefighting foam, ties for both testing and treatment.
health advisories that will help
manufacturing sites, landfills, spills, communities make informed decisions MassDEP also maintains a comprehensive
air deposition from factories and other to better protect human health and webpage that covers other efforts to man-
sources can seep into surface soils. From ecological wellness age PFAS in the environment, including:
there, PFAS can leach into groundwater requirements related to waste site cleanup;
or surface water, and can contaminate • Continued efforts to build the technical testing for PFAS in wastewater; a study
drinking water. foundation needed on PFAS air of the presence of PFAS in Massachu-
emissions to inform future actions under setts rivers; and information about PFAS
The roadmap commits the EPA to quickly the Clean Air Act
setting enforceable drinking water limits detected in the packaging for mosquito
for PFAS, as well as giving stronger tools The EPA also announced a new nation- control pesticide products used by the
to communities to protect people’s health al testing strategy that requires PFAS state in aerial spraying.
and the environment. manufacturers to provide toxicity data and In July, the MMA hosted a webinar on the
information on categories of PFAS chemi- PFAS issue. Attended by more than 175
The strategic roadmap lays out: cals. The PFAS to be tested will be selected municipal officials and employees, the
• Aggressive timelines to set enforceable based on an approach that breaks the webinar covered the human and environ-
drinking water limits under the Safe large number of PFAS today into smaller mental health implications of PFAS; the
Drinking Water Act to ensure that water categories based on similar features and state’s regulations regarding testing and
is safe to drink in every community considers what existing data are available detection in drinking water; treatment
for each category. options and sources of funding; local
• A hazardous substance designation
under the Comprehensive The EPA reports that its initial set of test case studies and experiences with PFAS
Environmental Response, Compensation orders for PFAS, which are expected in contamination; and information about the
and Liability Act, also known as a matter of months, will be strategically Legislature’s PFAS Interagency Task Force.
Superfund, to strengthen the ability to selected from more than 20 different For more information on the EPA’s strate-
hold polluters financially accountable categories of PFAS. gic roadmap for PFAS, visit www.epa.gov/
• Timelines for action on Effluent President Joe Biden has called for more pfas. ●
Guideline Limitations under the Clean than $10 billion in funding to address
Water Act for nine industrial categories PFAS contamination through his Build
Back Better agenda and the Bipartisan
• A review of past actions on PFAS taken
Infrastructure Deal. The White House says
6 • The Beacon • November 2021
34 recognized as Cyber Aware Communities
The Baker-Polito administration recog- ogy and is supported by capital funding
nized 34 municipalities and public school secured in last year’s general governmen-
districts from across the state as Cyber tal bond bill, intended to invest in the
Aware Communities during a virtual event Commonwealth’s cybersecurity posture
today featuring local and state cybersecu- and IT infrastructure modernization
rity leaders and hosted by the Executive initiatives.
Office of Technology Services and Security In the first two years, 62,000 municipal
as part of National Cybersecurity Aware- and public school employees have enrolled
ness Month. in the program, gaining access to critical
Those recognized were the top performing Curt Wood Edward Augustus Jr. end-user training, evaluations and threat
participants in this year’s round of the simulations. Participating organizations
Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant include large cities, small towns, and
Program. defend against potential cyber threats. school districts from across the Common-
Cyberattacks on municipal government “Buy-in and awareness on cybersecurity wealth, according to the EOTSS. Results
and education systems are on the rise na- from an organization’s leadership team have shown that participants receiving
tionwide as cyber threat actors are using is critical to its success,” said Gov. Charlie the cybersecurity awareness training on
common threat actions such as phishing, Baker. “Congratulations to each of the average saw a 6-point improvement on the
smishing, hacking, and ransomware at- municipalities and public schools that final assessment of the training course.
tacks to gain access to an organization’s IT have earned recognition as a Cyber Aware “Threats posed by cyber-attacks are so
networks and sensitive data, according to Community for their leadership in better great today that cybersecurity can no
the EOTSS. Recent high-profile ransom- securing their organization from potential longer be viewed as a problem for the IT
ware attacks and hacks have disrupted threats.” department alone,” said Curt Wood, secre-
operations in both the public and private Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said the state’s tary of Technology Services and Security.
sector. cybersecurity and IT grant programs are “The municipalities and public schools
Employee cybersecurity awareness train- vital resources “to enhance a local gov- being recognized today are stepping up
ing, identified by the National Governors ernment and community cybersecurity to ensure that [employees are] properly
Association as “the single most effective posture.” trained to identify and avoid attempts by
factor in preventing security breaches and The Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness malicious actors to gain access to critical
data losses,” is a critical tool for organiza- Grant Program is managed by EOTSS’s systems and data.”
tions to prepare their workforce to best Office of Municipal and School Technol- n CYBER AWARE continued on 23
MassCyberCenter releases free online training for cities and towns
By Jennifer Kavanaugh to restore their networks and services
The MassCyberCenter has released new to the public. The MassCyberCenter,
online training materials to help local established in 2017, seeks to “encourage
leaders implement cybersecurity best municipalities to improve their ability
practices and attain a “minimum base- to protect and defend themselves from
line of cybersecurity” to protect digital a cyberattack, inspire collaboration
assets and information against cyberat- and strengthen cybersecurity resilience
tack threats. across Massachusetts.”
The MassCyberCenter at the Massachu- The MassCyberCenter’s training seeks
New online training modules from the to establish a “minimum baseline” of
setts Technology Collaborative unveiled MassCyberCenter describe a cyberattack
the free, interactive training modules cyber preparedness for municipalities,
on the fictional community of “Massboro.” by relying on their people, processes and
on Oct. 7 during the first-ever Munic-
ipal Cybersecurity Summit, which was technology.
attended by about 300 government statewide, including the Cyber Resilient The MassCyberCenter has aimed the
officials from around Massachusetts. Massachusetts Working Group, to en- modules at achieving four goals:
MassCyberCenter Director Stephanie gage with municipalities directly about • Reduce the number of cybersecurity
Helm said the summit reflected the their cyber preparedness and to high- incidents by having better-trained and
state’s partnership with federal and light the resources, grants and technical more cyber-secure employees
state agencies, organizations including experts that can help them bolster their
the MMA, and with its regional Home- defenses,” Helm said. • Encourage greater sharing of threat
land Security councils. information and improving regional
Municipalities across the country have awareness
“The launch of these online training increasingly been targeted with cy-
modules builds on the work of the berattacks, exposing them to ransom n CYBER TRAINING continued on 26
MassCyberCenter and our partners demands, lost data and costly IT work
November 2021 • The Beacon • 7
MassDEP drafts rules for public notification of CSOs
By Ariela Lovett permittees responsible for more than 100
The Department of Environmental Pro- separate outfall locations.
tection has released draft regulations to The draft regulations include the follow-
establish requirements and procedures for ing:
notifying the public of sewage discharges
• Description of types of discharge events
and overflows into surface waters of the
requiring public notification
Commonwealth.
• Requirement that notifications be issued
MassDEP was tasked with developing
within two hours of their discovery
the regulations under legislation signed
to specific local, state and federal
by Gov. Charlie Baker in mid-January. To
government agencies, as well as to any Draft regulations would establish rules for
help protect public health and the envi-
individual who has subscribed to receive notifying the public of sewage discharges
ronment, the law requires wastewater op-
such notifications and overflows into surface waters.
erators to notify the public when a sewer
system discharges untreated wastewater • Requirement that notifications be sent
into a local body of water. to news organizations that report on will require municipalities to significantly
local news in nearby communities and be expand existing services, employ addi-
The regulations would require permittees
published on permittees’ websites tional personnel, realign organizational
to issue public advisory notifications for
the release of certain types of untreated • Requirement that follow-up reporting be structures, or limit discretion exercised by
or partially treated wastewater, including provided to MassDEP on a monthly basis local officials.”
discharges that fall into the categories • Requirement that CSO permittees The MassDEP stated, however, that it
of combined sewer overflows (CSOs), maintain signage at CSO outfall “anticipates that the requirements of the
sanitary sewer overflows, and blended locations Act and the regulation will significantly
wastewater. alter administrative and work procedures
• Requirement that municipal boards
Unlike modern systems that keep sewage for municipal entities subject to the new
of health or health departments issue
separate from stormwater, combined requirements … and that municipalities
public health warnings under certain
sewer systems, many dating back more will need to increase disbursements which
circumstances
than a century, combine wastewater and are not reimbursed by the federal or state
stormwater. High stormwater volumes In line with its obligations under Exec- government.”
caused by heavy rain events can over- utive Order 145, the MassDEP assessed
The MassDEP held two public hearings
whelm combined systems, causing them the municipal impact of the proposed
on the proposed regulations, on Oct. 27,
to discharge into rivers. regulations. The department stated that
and the department will accept written
it “does not anticipate that the regulation
As of 2018, Massachusetts had 19 CSO comments through Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. ●
Human services group discusses dealing with difficult people
By Isabelle Nichols examining the facts of the situation and
Dealing with difficult people was the the roles played by each party, using
focus of the MMA Human Services high-road communication without
Council’s final meeting of the year, held judgement or anger, and relying on
virtually on Oct. 20. objective measures to track performance
when dealing with a difficult employee.
Daphney Valcinor, an organizational
development training specialist with When dealing with difficult people, she
AllOne Health, led an interactive said, it’s important to remember that
training to help members enhance their we can only control ourselves. We never
interpersonal skills to more effectively really know what is going on with some-
Daphney Valcinor, an organizational de- one else, and it’s important to remain
manage difficult situations at work.
velopment training specialist with AllOne professional and avoid behaving in a
Valcinor began with an acknowledge- Health, leads an interactive training for the defensive manner.
ment of the challenging and unique time MMA Human Services Council on Oct. 20.
we are living and working in, and the The training concluded with an examina-
impact that it has had on the mental and tion of different types of difficult people
emotional well-being of many people. Valcinor asked attendees to share exam- that might be encountered at work, and
While it is important to recognize and ples of difficult interactions that they specific strategies for communicating
understand the context of the times in have encountered at work. She then with each type. Valcinor encouraged
difficult interactions, she emphasized provided practical strategies that can be attendees to make use of their employee
that the pandemic should not be used as employed when dealing with difficult assistance program when additional
an excuse for bad behavior. people, including taking time to phys- support is needed for handling difficult
ically calm your own emotions, closely situations. ●
8 • The Beacon • November 2021
New solid waste plan emphasizes waste reduction
By Ariela Lovett waste combus-
On Oct. 18, the Massachusetts De- tors. This goal
partment of Environmental Protection helps to align
published the Commonwealth’s policy the 2030 Solid
framework for reducing and managing Waste Master
solid waste that is generated, reused, Plan with the
recycled or disposed of by residents and Baker-Polito
businesses over the next decade. administration’s
2030 Clean En-
The 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan: ergy and Climate
Working Together Toward Zero Waste Plan and 2050
sets a waste reduction target of 30% by Decarbonization
2030 and 90% by 2050. Using a 2018 Roadmap, as
baseline of 5.7 million tons, the plan well as with the
calls for reducing waste to 4 million emissions re-
tons per year by 2030. (MassDEP’s duction require-
previous Solid Waste Master Plan, for Among other priorities, the new Massachusetts 2030 Solid Waste
ments in climate Master Plan emphasizes the importance of reusing goods and
2010 through 2020, also targeted a 30% legislation enact- materials. Numerous Massachusetts libraries now offer a “Library
reduction over the decade, but data ed in March. of Things,” such as this one at the Peabody Institute Library in
indicate that the actual reduction was Danvers, where patrons can check out objects. (Photo courtesy
about 16%.) A “major new
MassDEP)
and expand-
At the plan’s unveiling, Gov. Charlie ed initiative”
Baker said it “will significantly improve identified by MassDEP in the master
the Commonwealth’s waste manage- plan is its commitment to work with the Amendments to 310 CMR 19.000: Solid
ment system and provide important Legislature and its Zero Waste Caucus Waste Management Facility Regulations
environmental, climate and economic and other stakeholders to develop an will lower the commercial food waste
benefits.” He noted that the plan sets effective approach to reducing single-use ban threshold from one ton to one-half
“new, aggressive state-level waste re- packaging; advance extended produc- ton of generation per week and add mat-
duction goals that align with our carbon er responsibility (EPR) systems for tresses and textiles to the list of mate-
emission reduction programs, invest paint, mattresses, electronics and other rials banned from disposal or transport
in innovation, and enhance ongoing products and packaging; and continue for disposal in Massachusetts. These
engagement with communities across to administer and enhance existing EPR amended regulations are due to go into
the Commonwealth.” programs (such as for certain beverage effect in November 2022.
The plan outlines several strategies to containers and mercury products). In response to MassDEP’s initial pro-
achieve its waste reduction goals, in- In testimony to the Joint Committee on posal to implement a disposal ban for
cluding diverting more food waste (the Environment, Natural Resources and mattresses and textiles, the MMA sub-
largest single source of divertable waste) Agriculture in June, the MMA endorsed mitted written comments last December
and reducing or phasing out materials EPR legislation for a range of products expressing support for the intentions
that are difficult to recycle, such as sin- and for packaging. but concern about whether there is suf-
gle-use plastics and packaging. ficient recycling infrastructure in place
In December 2019, the MMA submit- statewide to support municipalities in
The plan sets a secondary goal of reduc- ted written comments on a draft of diverting these materials from landfills.
ing the toxicity of the waste stream by the Solid Waste Master Plan. MassDEP
improving the availability of household reopened the public comment period be- In testimony to the Environment
hazardous waste collection programs tween July and September 2020 to en- Committee in June, the MMA expressed
and implementing producer responsibil- courage additional feedback on issues of support for passing extended producer
ity approaches for targeted materials. environmental justice, climate change, responsibility legislation for mattresses
and the impacts of the COVID-19 pan- this legislative session in advance of a
The plan notes that reducing waste can full waste ban. The legislation would
lead to a significant reduction in green- demic on solid waste management in
Massachusetts. expand mattress recycling infrastructure
house gas emissions. Achieving the 2030 and shift the cost and materials man-
waste reduction goal could prevent more MassDEP plans to conduct a mid-course agement burden for these bulky items
than 1.7 million metric tons of carbon program and policy assessment by 2025, from municipalities to manufacturers. ●
dioxide from entering the atmosphere, which will report on the progress in
based on a model from the U.S. Environ- implementing the programs and policies
mental Protection Agency. identified in the plan.
By reducing the disposal of plastics, MassDEP is also promulgating reg-
MassDEP aims to achieve a reduction ulations to expand its current waste
of 300,000 metric tons of CO2-equiva- disposal bans for commercial organic/
lent emissions annually from municipal food waste, mattresses and textiles.
November 2021 • The Beacon • 9
New Massachusetts Municipal Directory now available
By Jennifer Kavanaugh financial data for each of the state’s
On Oct. 13, the MMA published its cities and towns. There are also sections
2021-2022 Massachusetts Municipal devoted to regional school districts,
Directory, a comprehensive resource for state and federal government agencies,
municipal officials that helps them con- and relevant professional organizations,
nect with colleagues, as an online PDF. as well as a guide to products and ser-
vices for municipalities.
MMA members and those who pre-or-
dered the 2021-2022 directory received All recipients of The Beacon receive
emails with login information and access to the directory. For members,
instructions for accessing the document. the cost is covered by their MMA dues.
Members and those who have purchased Other readers interested in receiving
the directory can also click here and log access to the Massachusetts Municipal
in to view it. Directory can order it online.
The Massachusetts Municipal Directory As always, the MMA greatly appreciates
PDF has live web links allowing users to the help of local officials who updated
access online state, federal and associ- their communities’ information by using m a s s a c h u s e t t s m u n i c i p a l a s s o c i a t i o n
2021-2022 | Massachusetts Municipal Directory
ation resources that are critical to the the MMA’s online tool earlier this year,
work of local government. and who have continued to report more For more information, contact Directory
recent personnel changes. Editor Jennifer Kavanaugh or Database
The guide includes contact information Administrator Ruby Sadoques at
for local officials and demographic and directory@mma.org. ●
Governor signs scaled-back FY21 closeout budget
By Jackie Lavender Bird In August, Baker filed a year-end spending has advocated. ●
On Oct. 21, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a proposal that would have used $1 billion
$333 million supplemental budget bill to of the surplus to
officially close the books on fiscal 2021. bolster the state’s
Unemployment
The scaled-back spending bill delays deci- Trust Fund and
sions on how to spend much of a $5 billion $568 million for
state surplus. In announcing the com- relief programs,
promise bill on Oct. 13, House Ways and mostly targeted at
Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz and Senate housing insecu-
Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues rity and human
referred to it as a “bill-paying” budget and services.
said unobligated fiscal 2021 surplus funds
would be considered “later in the fall.” Legislative leaders
did not address
Comptroller William McNamara can now the governor’s
close the books on fiscal 2021 in advance proposal or any
of an end-of-October reporting deadline. new spending
During the public health emergency, the of the surplus,
instead opting to
administration and the Legislature used
revenue estimates that reflected the un- place the surplus Management Association holds
certainty of the times to create the fiscal in a special fund ‘boot camp’
2021 budget. Subsequently, state revenues for further deliber- Four veteran town managers — Southborough Town Adminis-
far exceeded expectations, leading to a ation. trator Mark Purple (top left), retired town manager John Petrin
higher-than-usual budget surplus. An outside section (top right), Brookline Deputy Town Administrator Melissa Goff
(bottom right) and Brookline Town Administrator Mel Kleck-
The surplus is enabling the state to avoid of the budget
ner — discuss the importance of relationships between town
a $1.1 billion withdrawal from the state’s bill increases the managers and assistant town managers during the Massachu-
stabilization account that had originally allowable number setts Municipal Management Association’s annual boot camp
been anticipated as necessary to balance of hours a retired for new town managers on Oct. 14. The half-day session also
the fiscal 2021 budget. The surplus is also public employee covered developing relationships with elected officials, manag-
adding $1.1 billion from above-benchmark can work per ing staff, community participation, and establishing work-life
capital gains tax revenue to the fund. At calendar year balance. More than 100 attended the meeting, which included
the close of fiscal 2021, the stabilization from 960 to 1200, a discussion with three communications directors/public infor-
fund balance stood at a record $4.63 bil- a provision for mation officers and a Finance 101 session.
lion, according to the administration. which the MMA
10 • The Beacon • November 2021MassWorks and One Stop grants announced
Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito up a dialog al-
and Housing and Economic Develop- lowing commu-
ment Secretary Mike Kennealy joined nities to work
state and local officials from Lowell on with members
Oct. 25 to announce $66.5 million in of our team
2021 MassWorks awards to 50 commu- to refine and
nities. improve upon
The administration also kicked off their ideas.”
the first series of grant awards made The largest pro-
through the Community One Stop for gram among
Growth program, which total a com- the One Stop
bined $88.7 million for projects in 122 portfolio, the
communities across the Commonwealth, competitive
including the MassWorks awards. First MassWorks
announced at the MMA Annual Meeting Infrastructure
in January, Community One Stop for Program, now
Growth is a single application portal and six years old,
streamlined, collaborative review pro- offers cities Gov. Charlie Baker announces the first rounds of the 2021 Mass-
cess that replaced multiple application and towns Works and Community Planning Grant program awards in Lowell
processes for separate grant programs flexible capital on Oct. 25. Pictured behind him are Lowell City Manager Ellen
that support local economic develop- funding to sup- Donoghue (left) and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. (Photo courtesy Joshua
ment initiatives. port and accel- Qualls/Governor’s Press Office)
The administration also announced $1 erate housing
million for 16 communities through the production and
Department of Housing and Communi- job growth. This year, the administra-
tion is awarding 56 MassWorks grants for sale to first-time homebuyers with
ty Development’s Community Planning household incomes ranging from 70% to
Grant Program, one of the many pro- to 50 communities, the largest number
of awards in a single year. Fourteen 100% of the area median income.
grams available through One Stop.
communities are receiving their first-ev- “We are confident that the Acre Cross-
In One Stop’s inaugural round, the Ex- er MassWorks award. ing project will mark a continuation
ecutive Office of Housing and Economic of the high-quality development that
Development received 267 Expressions This year’s MassWorks projects include
29 to reactivate underutilized sites, has been supported in Lowell through
of Interest from 178 communities. MassWorks,” said City Manager Eileen
Nearly one-third of the grant awards 27 to support transit-oriented devel-
opments, and 29 with a mixed-use Donoghue.
are in rural or small towns, half are in a
Housing Choice Community; and one- component. Lowell was also awarded two grants
third are in a Gateway City. See the list of this year’s MassWorks through the One Stop process. As a
grant recipients. Housing Choice community, Lowell was
“MassWorks and the programs accessed awarded a $250,000 grant to update its
through One Stop support local infra- The administration has now awarded 2012 Master Plan to address housing
structure projects that spur housing, 326 MassWorks grants to 181 com- affordability issues and assess how new
workforce development and private munities, investing more than $608 policies can be aligned with sustainable
investment,” Baker said. million in public infrastructure projects growth.
Polito said One Stop “has transformed throughout Massachusetts. The ad-
ministration reports that these grants Lowell also received a $75,000 Com-
the Commonwealth’s role from simply munity Planning Grant, a One Stop
a patchwork of funding sources into a have directly supported the creation
of 21,000 new housing units and tens program that provides technical assis-
true partnership that puts the economic tance for activities related to land use,
and community development goals for of thousands of construction and new
permanent jobs, while leveraging more including assisting communities in the
more cities and towns within reach.” She development of a master plan, housing
added that the program “allows us to than $13 billion in private investment.
production plan, zoning review and
bring a heightened sense of urgency to The city of Lowell is getting a $1.72 updates, urban renewal plan, land use
our efforts to rebuild the economy.” million MassWorks Infrastructure plan, downtown plan, parking manage-
One Stop’s collaborative review process Program grant to support the design ment plan, feasibility study, or other
involves multiple agencies and direct and construction of sidewalks, light- strategic plan. Lowell’s grant will assist
referrals to programs across a number ing and landscaping that will improve in the creation of a new transit-oriented
of agencies, all in an effort to get more vehicular and pedestrian travel in the development district for the area sur-
communities closer to their economic area adjacent to a private, mixed-use rounding the Gallagher Terminal.
development goals, faster. The Expres- development known as Acre Crossing.
The project includes 32 condominiums See the list of Community Planning
sions of Interest, Kennealy said, “open Grant Program awards. ●
November 2021 • The Beacon • 11WEMO conference discusses resilient communities
By Meredith Gabrilska nity outreach on boosting diversity, equity and
Women Elected Municipal Officials and engagement inclusion in local government. Debra
gathered virtually on Oct. 15 for their through effective Roberts, vice chair of the Stoughton
third annual Leadership Conference, and inclusive Select Board, discussed her communi-
which focused on the crucial role that use of social ty’s efforts to increase diversity on local
women leaders play in recovery efforts media, websites, boards and committees to better match
to establish strong, healthy communi- newsletters, the demographics of the town, including
ties. livestreams and voter outreach.
community-based “Progress has been made, but there is
“Women Leading Resilient Communi- apps.
ties” kicked off with a keynote address Karyn Polito
still more to improve,” Roberts said.
from Lt. Gov Karyn Polito, who thanked “We had to zig Stoughton is one of only six municipal-
attendees for their dedication to serving and zag as elected ities in New England to receive a Racial
their communities and welcomed those officials,” said Easton Select Board Mem- Equity Municipal Action Plan program
who are newly elected. ber Dottie Fulginiti, who described the grant, which it used to help address
creation of a volunteer phone bank to hiring and retention practices.
“There is no better time for women’s reach seniors in her town.
active participation than the present in Methuen Councillor Eunice Zeigler
public service,” Polito said. “The time There was a consensus that the pan- said developing a strong strategy and
and effort you put into bettering your demic exacerbated some challenges that structure is key to building a sustainable
communities and the value you bring communities are continuing to work on, initiative, which includes ensuring there
to your local constituents is critical, including housing instability, supporting is buy-in and understanding within the
especially now.” local businesses and workforce needs, community. She gave examples: reach-
and addressing public health concerns. ing out to the younger population, mak-
Polito discussed the important part- A common theme was workforce-related
nership between the administration ing information and meeting schedules
concerns, both within municipal govern- readily available on websites and social
and municipalities across the state and ment and in downtown businesses.
its key role in the ongoing COVID-19 media, creating public forums, and coor-
response and recovery efforts. She “We are all seeing this,” said Holaday. dinating with community partners.
highlighted the administration’s “Future “There is not a business in town with- “By having more diverse voices at the ta-
of Work” report, published in July, as a out a help wanted sign. Everyone is ble, you are able to promote policies that
marker for how COVID-19 is changing burnt out. We are trying to reach out to are more beneficial to your community
work habits and will drive the state’s regional stakeholders to see how we can and more encompassing of your entire
housing, transportation and workforce provide relief or support.” population,” Zeigler said.
efforts. Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll described It’s important to make it easier for
“Massachusetts is well-positioned as we a successful partnership the city built residents to engage with the community
emerge from the pandemic,” she said, with the MassHire North Shore Career and local government, she said, through
“and the report provides a roadmap Center to provide up to $800 in Visa public forums, public art and cultural
forward.” gift cards for eligible employees who fill events, which provide the opportunity
openings with qualified Salem business- for interaction about why the work of
Polito also discussed the administra- es.
tion’s plan to invest $2.8 billion in local government matters and conversa-
federal COVID-19 funding to support “We had 36 applicants in just 48 hours,” tions about similarities and differences.
economic recovery and communities Driscoll said. Investing in these events can also help
hit hardest by the pandemic, including Lexington Select Board Member Jill Hai drive economic development.
investments in housing and homeown- highlighted the need for more affordable Attendees discussed best practices for
ership, economic development, job housing and reliable regional trans- holding and moderating public forums
training and workforce development, portation in communities that have a on diversity, equity and inclusion
and infrastructure. seasonal workforce, where housing can efforts, how to best report about such
Following Polito’s address, members of often be out of reach for workers. efforts, grant opportunities, and when
the WEMO Steering Committee, chaired Cohasset Select Board Member Diane to work with outside consultants.
by Newburyport Mayor Donna Hola- Kennedy said her town is facing staffing The overarching theme of the other
day, led a discussion of recovery efforts challenges. breakout discussion, on climate adap-
in attendees’ communities. Attendees “We don’t have enough staff or com- tation and resilience, was the value of
discussed initiatives and efforts by mittee members,” she said. “It’s a lot of regional collaboration.
municipal staff, boards and committees work to apply for grants and prioritize Mayor Holaday kicked off the conversa-
to best serve communities during the grant programs and execute, and man- tion by discussing issues facing her com-
pandemic, including hosting outdoor age all the CARES and ARPA funding — munity, in particular with Plum Island
events in downtown areas to help bring that continues to be a challenge.” and the Merrimack River, which include
traffic to small businesses, artists and
other vendors, and increasing commu- One of two breakout sessions focused n WEMO continued on 26
12 • The Beacon • November 2021You can also read
