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TR-2011-47 SUPP FOR ELIM OF FEES AT AHS q700000 "Fit 9011-W7 TR-2011-47 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A FISCAL YEAR 2012 SUPLEMENTAL BUDGET OF$97,000-00 FOR THE TOWN OF AGAWAM TO ELIMINATE NEW AND INCREASED FEES AT THE AGAWAM HIGH SCHOOL Sponsored by Mayor Richard A. Cohen WHEREAS,The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has voted to restore funds to cities and,towns according to a formula established on August 16, 2011, and C'"4 WHEREAS,the Town of Agawam is expected to receive approximately$220,000 in additional >V) unrestricted local aid to Cities and Towns, and WHEREAS,the unexpencled funds received will be utilized to stabilize future tax rate; and WHEREAS, the Agawam School Committee met on June 27, 2011 and voted to establish additioa feds for the Fiscal Year 2012 as part of the fiscal year 2012 budget, and WHEREAS, the funds will be available from free cash. NOW THEREFORE the Agawam City Council hereby votes to raise and appropriate$97,000 to the Scbool Committee Fiscal Year 2012 budget and to eliminate new fees and fee increases established for Agawam High School for fiscal year 2012. DATED THIS 1!6AY OF 2011. PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Opp q lo 4Donald M. ault, President P V T M o PPR VED TO FORMAND LEGALITY V Cit So v Vincen F liscia, City Solicitor t cl� '�- CQ MAYORAL ACTION C) --PL , 2011 from Council Clerk. Received this day of a f Signed by Council President this 1� W) dayoqao 12011. APPROVAL OF LEGISLATION By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the AgayKaip Pl"Ier, as T nde4, I hqeby approve the passage of the above legislation on this L-2!��j day of � 2011. Ricf�ard A. Cohen- , Mayor DISAPPROVAL OF LEGISLATION By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agawam Charter, as amended, I hereby veto the passage of the above legislation on this day of 2 2011 for the following reason(s): Richard A. Cohen, Mayor RETURN OF LEGISLATION TO COUNCIL CLERK Returned to Council Clerk this day of 2011. C HA COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSeTTS Ln MASSACHUSETTS SENATE STATE HOUSE OFFICE STATr:HousE,BOSTON,MA 02133-1007 STATE House Room 416A BOSTON,MA 02133 TEL.(617)722-1660 DISTRICT OPFICE 772 UNION STREET SENATOR WEST SPRINGFIELD.MA 01089 JAMES T WELCH TEL.(413)737-7756 HAr,4PDEN OISTRICT JAMES-WELCHOMASENATC.GOV VVWVV.MASENATE.GOV Jaw COMMIT-TEE ON MUNIOPALITIES AND REO4ONAL GOVERNMENT. CHAIR August 23, 2011 Mayor Richard A, Cohen Agawam Town Hall 36 Main Street Agawam, MA 01001 Dear Mayor Cohen, f am writing in response to your inquiry regarding the additional local aid allocation for FY11. The language in Section 198 of Chapter 61 of the Acts of 2011 sets a deadline of October 31, 2011 for distribution of any funds. Itisthe intention of the state to use the funds to back-fill the FY11 allocation, which would be a distribution of$225,300 to the Town of Agawam. However, the official determination on how these funds are going to be- distributed has not been decided. I will keep you informed as the final determinations are made. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions. Sincerely, m mes T. Welch s T t t ate Senator Se amp ampden 6we�',.Ia el- A NICHOLAS A.BOLDYGA COMMIMES: STATE REPRESENTATIVE FINANCIAL SERVICES STATE HOUSE,ROOM 167 PUBLIC SAFETY&HOMELAND SECURMY TEL:(617)722-2810 HIGHER EDUCATION EMAIL: Niftlas.Boldyga@MAhouse.gov August 23, 2011 Dear Mayor Cohen, According to the House Ways Means Committee, between late September and early October the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will disperse approximately$65 million in local aid to cities and towns. As you may know, the recently passed Local Aid amendment to the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget seeks to allow half of the Commonwealth's reversions, a maximum of$65 million, to be distributed to municipalities. This distribution is based on the Lottery formula and these monies will aid cities and towns with a one-time funding reimbursement. I've recently inquired with the House Ways & Means Committee regarding the reimbursement allocations for the City of Agawam. The House Ways& Means Committee informed me the reversions will mostly likely minror FY 2011 levels of Local Aid. Despite this projection, the House Ways & Means Committee was not able to guarantee the reversions will equal Fiscal Year 2011 levels. Thank you for contacting my office regarding this important issue. I will make sure to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Sincerely, Nicholas A . Boldyga State RepresentaUve Xd Hampden District Proudly Serving Agawam, Granville, Russell and Southwick PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release August 23, 2011 MAYOR COHEN PROPOSES TO ELIMINATE SPORTS FEES FOR STUDENTS AT A.H.S. I have been infonned by Senator Jim Welch and State Representative Nicholas Boldyga that Agawam will receive approximately$200,000 in additional State Aid in the Fall. In view of this additional revenue I will be presenting to both the School Committee and the City Council a resolution to eliminate fees proposed by the Superintendent in the schools fiscal 2012 budget. Fee's for sports and other extra-curricular activities for our students were a necessary way to fund programs with cuts to State Aid, The restoration of these funds from the State makes it possible for me, as Mayor, to recommend to the School Committee and the City Council that the fee increases voted in this budget cycle be removed. This will enable families of our High School students to participate in activities that we want them to take advantage of without any additional financial burden on them in these extremely difficult economic times. No new fees will be assessed to students if my proposal is approved by both the School Committee and City Council. I will also recommend that the parking fee be maintained at last years level although we will continue to encourage our students to utilize the busses that the School Department provides. The remainder of the additional State Aid will be placed in the General Fund to help stabilize our future tax rate. S COMMONWIEALTH OF!MASSACHVSMS MASSACHUSETTS SENATE STATE HOUSE OFFFPCE -1007 STATg HcLj3E Room 41BA STATE Housc,aOSMN,MA 02133 BaffmN.MA 0213U TEL(617)722-1000 N DISTRICT OPFICE 712 UNbON STRIST SENATOR Wswr Spwoog",MA 0108 9 JAMES T WELCH Tn.W3�737-7756 HAmFIOEN DISYRICT -JAM".Wq1.CWQMASENAT1.00V W�.MASENATEADV NIVNVFAUMEG OLP40 R-o"o-L GavrwymmT. August 23, 2011 Mayor Richard A. Cohen Agawam Town Hall 36 Main Street Agawam, MA 01001 Dear Mayor Cohen, I am writing in response to your inquiry regarding the additional local aid allocation for FY11. The language in Section 198 of Chapter 61 of the Arts of 2011 sets a deadline of October 31, 2011 for distribution of any funds. it is the intention of the state to use the funds to backfill the FY11 allocation,which would be a distribution of$225,300 to the Town of Agawam. However, the official determination on how these funds are going to be distributed has not been decided. I will keep you informed as the final determinations are made. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions. Sincerely, mes T. Welch s T t tare a, are Senator a amp rnpden Zoe et6 e e, C7 NICHOLAS A. BOLDYGA COMMITTEES: STATE REPRESENTATIVE FINANCIAL SERVICES STATE HOUSE,ROOM 167 PUBLIC WFIY&HOMELAND SECURITY TEU(617)722-2810 HIGHER EDUCATION EMAIL: Nicholas.Boldyga@MAhouse.gov August 23, 2011 Dear Mayor Cohen, According to the House Ways & Means Committee, between late September and eady October the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will disperse approximately$65 million in local aid to cities and towns. As you may know, the recently passed Local Aid amendment to the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget seeks to allow half of the Commonwealth's reversions, a mayjmum of$65 million, to be distributed to municipalities. This distribution is based on the Lottery formula and these monies will aid cities and towns with a one-fifne funding reimbursement. I've recently inquired with the House Ways & Means Committee regarding the reimbursement allocations for the City of Agawam. The House Ways & Means Committee informed me the reversions will mostly likely mirror FY 2011 levels of Local Aid. Despite this projection, the House Ways& Means Committee was not able to guarantee the reversions will equal Fiscal Year 2011 levels. Thank you for contacting my office regarding this important issue. I will make sure to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Sincerely, Nicholas A. Doldyga State Representative 3,d Hampden D1stTlCt Proudly Serving Agawam, Granville, Russell and Southwick A lexis Fefloli From: russell@duperelawoffices.info Sent; Tuesday, September 06, 2011 8:34 PM To: William Sapelli Cc: Alexis Ferioli; Patricia Cavanaugh; mayor@agawam.ma.us; solicitor@agawam.ma.us Subject. Open Meeting Law Issue-August 16, 2011 Committee Meeting Attachments: School Agenda.pdf; Letter.pdf Dear Superintendent Sapelli: Please find attached correspondence from Solicitor Gioscia regarding the above-referenced matter. As we discussed previously, I concur with Solicitor Gioscia that the School Committee should take appropriate action to address the situation. It is my understanding that Ms. Ferioli has re-posted the revised August 16, 2011 agenda for an upcoming meeting. The Committee will re-vote the items in question at said meeting. It is my legal opinion that this process will satisfy the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, and any alleged defect in the amended posting of the August 16, 2011 agenda. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Russell J. Dupere, Esq. This e-mail,'and'any attathments theret:06, is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail (or the person responsible for delivering this document to the intended recipient), you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, printing or coping of this e-mail, and any attachment(s) thereto, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please respond to the individual sending the message, and permanently delete the original and any copy of any e-mail and printout thereof. No warranty is made that this email and/or attachment(s) are free from virus or other defect. -------- Original Message -------- Subject: From: Vince Gioscia <solicitor@agawam.ma.us> Date: Tue, September 06, 20114:10 pm To: "russell@duperelawoffices.info" <russell@du perelawoffices.info> Russ, C') Ca Letter and Agenda attached regarding Open Meeting Matter. C= Vincent F. Gioscia, Esq, *C) City Solicitor 3p;r— MM, Agawam Law Department 36 Main Street > =�K Agawam, MA 01001 a .P Telephone. 413-786-0400 ext. 281 C_; Facsimile: 413-786-9927 Ln E-mail., solicit6r@agawam.ma.us The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination, or other use of, or taking any .action in reliance upo'n, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender�and delete the material from any computer. Town of Agawam Law .Department Vincent F.Giosci-A,City Solicitor Patrick:U Toney,Associate Solicitor September 6, 2011 Attorney Russell Dupere VIA EMAIL: Russell@ 4uperelawoffices.info Dear,,Attorney Dup.ere: 0 % e,agenda used for It has come to my att��f�lt%in, at-tHdffBFF7W-67r—e--i ah sj-_ 9ff the August 16, 201011 06fffihutt-e7e,meetffig. -The-me6tihg,4,gendj1 VstedonAugust 8,..2011 wa& n(?l eetin ggndii-�'acted'-iipbn-at,.-,!the,�Augiitt-,�16-� 2011�meeting. It 4W appears that a r ' iRdiagbn&.W4s utllii(;�'.-f ri�Eetlng. 1._*spo ev . - 4urIng.-t 4tioKayor Cohen, A Al Q OfCh a �i tffied-Aliat in- �Act in the the Committle W ax t-t.h Committee's,packet �,;Sdbd.De WerOalso made P. available to 111e-p.Abli e iri A �k M.- j kL a fb fa Upon speakiiig, I t W ihte Uent'sioffic6's;F6 d tge.�posting she lg 4 N�W 'd b'""' ,6fidalfid se ' ) "'tiiofficehiail to the indicated tha49AAA,' �e P lei, <a 'Y"irl I ty!01 COP 4%. .tfntil August City Clerk's Office. i ie etk .41 (Ie�,ARIPP.A P", sted e 17., 2041 as a r1esulboT cat �.dehj� 15, h.me6tiln I am concerned U. -a ej VIf s I�fft rer�,_t� q(6pe ,.b j ­P !4P FADrQ m '41 g law. The Af matters addrdsse, eCtj4.Wdr9:-AH n deo 06- opos�zd-idoes" or the upcoming G -d' ,nd@;ffiatRhe ZifilVol- R - - �§�— '-f &ional matters' school year. It is also m n A evise !-age iad NI-WI, S, discussed were all approv. f;f6 s .61-idy Sfi�dent Fees, Fines and Charges," which is the ite isted 0 n1i Hl I a nd I Attached ar:e copies of th ofiginail'�Agen a..anmn agenda for your review. I request that you bring the matter to the attention of the School, Department and take any other action you deem-appropriate.to address the situation. 4ncerely, V v i c incent Gioscia 36 Main Strect,Agap�ram,MA 01001 Tel: (413)786-0400 ext. 281 Fax: (413) 786-9927 SCR-11-19 RESOLUTION ACCEPTANCE OF $97,000.00 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET FOR THE FY'12 BUDGET WHEREAS, a Resolution for a supplemental budget entitled, "A Resolution Adopting a Fiscal Year 2012 Supplemental Budget of$97,000.00 for the Town of Agawam to Eliminate New and Increased Fees at the Agawam High School," has been submitted for approval by the Mayor to the Agawam City Council,and V,rHEREAS, this additional funding will be used to reduce or eliminate fees, and WHEREAS, a vote by the School Committee is required in order to accept this funding. NOW, therefore, be it resolved that the Agawam School Committee accepts the $97,000.00 Supplemental Budget for the FY'I 2 School Budget upon the affirmative vote of the Agawam City Council. William P. Sapelli, Interim Supen"ritendent Date SCHOOL COMMITTEE ACTION 7 -yeas nays absent abstentions Dated this 13 —day of JJ40.A��_ 2011. Richard A. Cohen, Mayor/Chairperson Agawam School Committee d q 41� Agawam Public Schools FYI 2 Supplemental Budget Proposal 70% Estimated Collection % Revenue Rate Amount Proposed by Mayor and Approved by School Committee in order to avoid charging student fees 139,025 1 97,318 70%1 Reinstate stipends for Extra Curricular Club &Activity Advisors 19,125 13,388 70% Reinstate Athletic Transportation Fees & Uniform Costs 80,000 56,000 70% Reinstate Band Advisor stipend and Uniform and Instrument Expenses 7,900 5,530 70% Supplement funds for Security Cameras in parking lot 32,000 22,400 70% 139,0251 97,318 1 70% PROPOSED REDUCTIONS (continued) APRIL 5, 2011 Athletic Fee $80,000 Band Fee $7,900 Extra-Curricular Fee $19,125 Parking Fee $32,00 Total $139,025 70%Collection Rate $ 97,318 Agawam School Committee Minutes-August 16,2011 Chair,R. Cohen,called the meeting to order at 434 p.m.in the Agawam High School library. Present: A. Bonavita, R. Doering, L. Galameau, K. Mouncimneh, S. Reed(arrived at 4:45 p.m.) W. Sapelli,P.Cavanaugh Absent: D.Juzba During Citizen's Speak Time, Gary Janulewicz of 41 Elm Street publically commended the School Committee and City Council for restoring$250,000.00 to the school budget and recalling layed off positions. In addition,he expressed his concern over the institution of student user fees,which the district has never had before. The next speaker was Jack Kunasek of 16 Sequoia Drive who stated his opposition to student user fees at the high school for athletics and extra- curricular activities. He also distributed information he had compiled showing savings to the district if parking fees were raised. Under Unfinished Business,there was none on the agenda. Under Business Meeting,on a motion made by A.Bonavita,2 d by K.Mouneimneh,the Committee voted to approve the July 18,2011,regular meeting and August 2,2011, special meeting minutes. Vote: 6—0— I absent Next,on a motion made by R.Doering,2"d by A.Bonavita,the Committee,via roll call,voted to approve the following wan-ants as read: SW-12-01 in the amount of S 141,322.89 and SW-12-02 in the amount of$188,818.20. Vote: 6—0— I absent Under Policy Review, L.Galarricau made a motion,2 d by A.Bonavita,to approve the I"reading of Policy JQ,Sludeni Fees, Fines, and Charges. During discussion, Policy Subcommittee Chair,L.Galarneau, explained the process subcommittee members used to develop the new user fee policies. She then read those policies for the benefit of the public and to clarify any misconceptions about them. She also thanked AHS Principal, Steven Lemanski, and Athletic Director, David Stratton,for their input in the development of these policies. Next,on a motion made by S.Reed,2 d by K.Mouneimneh,the Committee voted to go into"Committee as a Whole' for the purpose of allowing discussion by members of the public who were in attendance, Vote: 6—0— I absent Mr.Bonavita suggested putting a cap on the maximum amount a family would pay for their children to play sports. K. Mouneimneh asked if the district has many families who have more than two students playing sports. Mr. Stratton said that there are a few families with more than two students playing sports. P.Cavanaugh noted that placing a cap on the maximum amount paid by families would reduce the fee income projected in the FY'12 Budget. After further discussion,on a motion made by A. Bonavita,2 d by K.Mouneimneh,the Committee,via roll call,voted to cap the amount a family would pay for their children to play sports at$400.00. Vote: 6—0— I absent Next, P.Cavanaugh suggested that in order to maintain the confidentiality of those students who receive free or reduced lunch, check-off boxes on the Athletic Activity Fee Form and the Extra-Curricular Activity Fee Form should be removed. Miss Cavanaugh said that she will be responsible for checking each student's free and reduced lunch status as part of the application review process. Then,on a motion made by R. Doering,2 d by K. Mouneimneh,the Committee voted to remove the check-off boxes denoting free or reduced lunch from the Athletic Activity Fee Form and the Extra-Curricular Activity Fee Form. Vote: 6—0— I absent Miss Cavanaugh then asked the Committee to approve a fee for checks,which are returned for non-sufficient funds. On a motion made by K.Mouneimneh,2 d by R,Doering,the Committee voted to approve a fee for checks, which are returned for non-sufficient funds at the current rate used by the Town of Agawam. Vote:6—0— I absent Agawam School Committee Minutes-August 16,2011 Page 2 Next, on a motion made by K. Mouneimneh,2 d by R.Doering,the Committee voted to suspend the rules in order to take action on the 2 d and P readings of the user fee policies due to timeliness. Vote: 6—0— I absent During discussion, R. Doering asked if the parking fee could be raised to$150-$200 per year as an alternative to charging a fee for extra-curricular activities. K.Mouneirnneh echoed her colleague's sentiments and stated she has never been in favor of fees for extra-curricular activities. After further discussion,on a motion made by K. Mouneimneh,2 nd by R. Doering&A. Bonavita,the Committee voted to raise the student parking fee at Agawam High School and to drop the extra-curricular fee, Vote: 6—0— I absent Next,on a motion made by R. Doering,2 d by S. Reed,the Committee,via roll call,voted to raise the student parking fee to $160.00 per year and to eliminate the extra-curricular fee of$25 per club/activity, Vote: 6—0— t absent Then,on a motion made by A. Bonavita,2 d by K. Mouneimneh,the Committee voted to amend the user fee policies as a group. During discussion,Mrs. Ferioli was instructed to eliminate any language referring to extra-curricular fees from the policies and to eliminate the extra-curricular activity fee form. Vote: 6—0— I absent Next,on a motion made by A. Bonavita,2 d by K. Mouneimneh,the Committee voted to approve the pertinent policies as amended. Vote: 6—0— I absent Under New Business,there was none on the agenda. Items: K.Mouneimneh thanked those from the public who came forward to speak and offer suggestions regarding user fees,especially Mr.Kunasek. R. Doering said she is unhappy about having to initiate fees at all,but must be realistic about the financial situation of the school department. S. Reed also thanked Mr. Kunasek for his suggestions,as well as those from the public who came to the meeting. R. Cohen concluded discussion by thanking the Policy Subcommittee for all of their hard work in developing the user fee policies. There being no further business,on a motion made by K. Mouneimneh,2d by R.Doering,the Committee voted to adjourn. Vote: 6—0- I absent Time: 532 p.m. Alexis Ferioli Roberta G.Doering Executive Assistant to the Superintendent& School Committee Committee Secretary DRAFT Agawam School Committee (NOT APPROVED BY SCHOOL COMMITTEE YET) Minutes—September 13,2011 Chair,R. Cohen,called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Roberta G.Doering School auditorium. Present: A. Bonavita, R. Doering,D. Juzba, L. Galarneau, K. Mouneimneh, & S. Reed W. Sapelli,A. LeClair,P.Cavanaugh,&student representative Leisl Bard Absent: no one During Citizen's Speak Time, no one from the public came forward. Next,under Highlights on Education,there were none scheduled for the evening. Under Superintendent's Notes,Mr. Sapelli reported on the following: • Announcement that the opening of schools on September 6,2011,went smoothly with students and staff excited and eager to start the new school year. • Thank you to the Building Maintenance Department under the direction of Tony Albro, for the outstanding condition of the schools in preparation for opening day. • Thank you to Christopher Golba and his DPW crews for constructing a new concrete sidewalk 1h front of the junior high school building in a timely manner • Receipt of positive feedback from parents, students,and grandparents regarding the Camp S.O.A.R. and Inspire Works summer enrichment programs • Announcement that Commissioner Mitchell Chester will be visiting Clifford Granger School on Friday, September 16,2011,to tour the school's Language Based classrooms, Committee members wishing to attend the roundtable panel discussion with the Commissioner should notify him so they may be recognized. • Announcement that the MSBA will be sending a site visit team to AHS on Wednesday, September 2 1, 2011,to examine the facility condition and programmatic issues. Mr.Albro will be joining Mr. Sapelli on the 2-hour tour,which is in response to a proposal for a new high school submitted by Dr. CzaJkowski last year. • Request that the Committee suspend the rules to vote on SCR-I 1-19,Acceptance of$97,000.00 Supplemental Budget for the FY'l 2 School Budget so that athletic fees and higher parking fees may be eliminated. This proposal will be voted on by the City Council at their September 19,2011 meeting. Consequently,attendance by the Committee and parents at the September 19,h Council meeting to support this funding,which will directly benefit the schools, is important. • Explanation that Policy JQ,Student Fees, Fines, and Charges, has been revised to eliminate the mention of athletic fees. If approved for a I'reading,the remaining policies on the agenda regarding the procedure and forms for collecting user fees can be rescinded,as they would no longer be relevant. • Announcement that the annual Administrator's Retreat on August 23 A and 24h was very successful. Feedback from A. Bonavita and R. Doering, who attended part of the retreat, was very beneficial to the group. • Reminder that"Agawam Day"at the Big E will take place on Wednesday, September 28,2011. Next, under Student Advisory Committee Representative Update, R.Cohen introduced and welcomed the Committee's new student representative, Leisl Bard who reported on the following activities and events taking place atAHS: • Opening day at AHS was very smooth and everyone looked happy to be back • Freshman Orientation took place on August 25 fb and was extremely well attended. The"Chiefs"served as guides and mentors during the evening program and parents were encouraged to sign up for the new Edline home/school communication tool. • Back-to-School Ni&t will take place on Thursday,September l5th • Please support those in the parade on Agawam Day at the Big E on September 28d, • Once again National Honor Society members will be volunteering at the Lion's Club booth at the Big E • Good luck to all the sport teams,band, Rosie Robotics,and other teams that will be competing this year • On September 27h,the Navy Seals"Leap Frogs"will be jumpini from planes over the high school stadium as part of their 10:00 a.m.demonstration • This year's MMSI Grant Kick-Off will take place on September 30th at 7:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria Agawam School Committee Minutes—September 13,2011 Page 2 Under Unfinished Business,there was none on the agenda. Under Business Meeting,on a motion made by R. Doering,2 nd by A. Bonavita.& S. Reed,the Committee voted to approve the August 16,2011,minutes. Vote: 7-0 Under Calendar/Correspondence,R. Doering read a post card from former student representative,Nick Cormier, who thanked the Committee for his experience while serving on the board,his farewell bouquet of balloons,and Mrs. Galarneau's home-made cupcakes. Next, on a motion made by D. Juzba,2 d by R. Doering,the Committee, via roll call,approved the following warrants as read: SW-12-03 in the amount of$70,606,90; SW-1 2-04 in the amount of$7 t,348.03;and SW-12-05 in the amount of$58,990.56. Vote: 7-0 Under Reports, R. Cohen said the Committee should have received two paper reports regarding Summer School and Summer Enrichment Programs in their packets. The only other report on the agenda was a Behavioral Health Network Update as presented by Director of School Counseling, Susan Schoenberger,and BHN representative, Kathy Moss. In their report,the following information was reviewed: 0 Productive year & Umbrella of services provided not only to students but also to their families a Referrals come from school staff and students,as well as part of the school's suspension process if substance abuse related 0 4 hours of service provided each week during which BHN clinician meets with parents, students,and staff 0 As a new initiative this year,as PreK-12 Family Education Outsource Resource Councilor wi I I be available to students and families in all four elementary schools 0 Youth Risk Behavior Survey is given each year to identify areas of usage 0 School adjustment counselors are key to letting students, staff,and parents know about the BHN services available to them During discussion, L. Galameau suggested that the BHN brochures,outlining family services,should be made available to parents at each school's Back-To-School night. She also suggested that services should be extended to the Doering School if the cost from going from 4 to 6 hours is not too much. A. Bonavita suggested that if there are any funds left over from the 4 hours per week,they could be applied to the Doering School. In addition, D.Juzba suggested placing the BUN information on the school department's website. P.Cavanaugh explained that a parent resource section was placed on our website this summer and the BHN information could be placed there for easy access. R. Doering suggested following up on those students who have been discharged from BHN services to ensure that they are engaged inthe type of care that meets their needs. Next,under Subcommittee Updates,no updates were given. Under New Business,due to timeliness,on a motion made by R. Doering,2"d by A. Bonavita&D.Juzba,the Committee voted to suspend the rules in order to vote on SCR-I 1-19,Acceptance of$97,000.00 Supplemental Budgetfor the FY'12 School Budget. Vote: 7-0 During discussion, A. Bonavita said he approved of the resolution to accept the$97,000.00 Supplemental Budget as no Committee member was in favor of instituting user fees, but financial constraints made them necessary. K. Mouneirrmeh asked what would happen if the City Council did not support giving the school the$97,000.00. R. Cohen said the user fees would go forward. Relinquishing the chair to the vice chair,he explained that user fees were instituted to fill the budget gap due to a reduction in state aid. He also assured the Committee that Representative Boldyga and Senator Welch have confirmed that$200,000.00 will be coming to Agawam. R.Cohen further stated Agawam School Committee Minutes—September 13,2011 Page 3 that he believes giving the schools$97,000.00 of that money is the right thing to do to help lessen the financial burden placed on families who would have to pay athletic fees and possibly parking fees at the high school. K. Mouneimneh said she will support the resolution,but would rather see the athletic fee reduced to$50,00 and the remainder of the money used to restore a Math teacher,who retired,at the high school. At the conclusion of discussion, on a motion made by R. Doering,2 d by A. Bonavita,the Committee,via roll call, votedtoapprove SCR-I 149,Acceptance of$97,000.00 Supplemental Budgelfor the FY'12 School Budget. Vote: 7-0 R. Cohen then announced that SCR-11-20,Approval of AHS Graduation Ceremony at Symphony Hall on June 10, 2012,at 1:00 p.m.would be moved to the next meeting where it will appear under Unfinished Business. Under Policy Review,A.Bonavita made a motion,2 nd by D. Juzba&R. Doering to approve Policy JQ Student Fees, Fines, and Charges. During discussion, L. Galarneau asked that the policy be amended to include the words "parking fees." Then,on a motion made by A. Bonavita,2 nd by D. Juzba,the Committee voted to amend Policy JQ,Student Fees, Fines, and Charges. Vote: 7—0 Next, on a motion made by L. Galameau,2nd by R. Doefing, the Committee voted to appro�e the 10 reading of Policy JQ as amended. Vote: 7—0 Then,on a motion made by L. Galarneau,2 d by A. Bonavita,the Committee voted to approve the 2"d&Yd readings of Policy JQ,Student Fees, Fines, and Charges. Vote: 7-0 Next,A. Bonavita made a motion,2 d by D.Juzba,to approve the I'readings of Policy JQ-1,Student Fees, Fines, • Charges Operating Procedures;Policy JQ-2;Student Fees Waiver&Reduction Schedule; Policy JQ-F,Athletic • Extra-Curricular Activity Fees;JQ-F 1,Athletic Activity Form;and Policy JQ-F2,Extra-Curricular Activity Fee Form. Vote: 0—7 nay Items discussed,all Committee members welcomed everyone back to the new school year. S. Reed thanked Mr. Alan Cohen and Mrs. Patricia Lapinski for their great summer program reports. She also said that Freshman Orientation at the high school was wonderful noting triple the parent participation as customary. In her final remark, she asked that the print be enlarged on the wan-ants. R, Doering thanked Donna Shibley and members of the Agawam Junior Women's Club for their annual"First Time Bus Riders Program",which greatly helps the anxiety of young students. A. Bonavita said he watched Mrs. LeClair's Common Core presentation at the Administrator's Retreat and was amazed by the amount of data that must be collected for the state. D. Juzba suggested that some of the reports to the Committee be shared with the City Council. K. Mouneimneh asked when the Committee would receive a breakdown of classes by size. Mr. Sapelli said that report will be coming in the near future. She also asked if there are accommodations for parents without computers to access those parent resources,which are on- line. P. Cavanaugh said that parents are notified via Connect Ed of the resources available to them and that those resources are available for pick up in central office if they don't have a computer. There being no fin-ther business,on a motion made by D.Juzba,2 d by S. Reed,the Committee voted to adjourn. Vote: 7-0 Time: 7:56 p.m. Alexis Ferioli Roberta G. Doering Executive Assistant to the Superintendent&School Committee Secretary PROPOSED REDUCTIONS (continued) APRIL 5, 2011 Athletic Fee $80,000 Band Fee $7,900 Extra-Curricular Fee $19,125 Parking Fee $32,000 Total $139,025 70%Collection Rate $ 97,318 Agawam Public Schools FY12 Supplemental Budget Proposal 70% Estimated Collection % Revenue Rate Amount Proposed by Mayor and Approved by School Committee in order to avoid charging student fees 139,0251 97,318 70%1 Reinstate stipends for Extra Curricular Club & Activity Advisors 19,125 13,388 70% Reinstate Athletic Transportation Fees & Uniform Costs 80,000 56,000 70% Reinstate Band Advisor stipend and Uniform and Instrument Expenses 7,900 5,530 70% Supplement funds for Security Cameras in parking lot 32,000 22,400 70% 1 139,025 1 97,3181 70%1 TR-2011-47 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A FISCAL YEAR 2012 SUPLEMENTAL BUDGET OF$97,000.00 FOR THE TOWN OF AGAWAM TO ELIMINATE NEW AND INCREASED FEES AT THE AGAWAM HIGH SCHOOL Sponsored by Mayor Richard A.Cohen WHEREAS,The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has voted to restore funds to cities and towns according to a formula established on August 16, 2011, and WHEREAS, the Town of Agawam is expected to receive approximately$220,001)in additional unrestricted local aid to Cities and Towns, and WHEREAS, the unexpended funds received will be utilized tostabilize future tax rate; and WHEREAS, the Agawam School Committee met on June 27, 2011 and voted to establish additional fees for the Fiscal Year 2012 as part of the fiscal year 2012 budget, and WHEREAS,the funds will be available from free cash. NOW THEREFORE the Agawam City Council hereby votes to raise and appropriate $97,000 to the Scbool Committee Fiscal Year 2012 budget and to eliminate new fees and fee increases established for Agawam High School for fiscal year 2012. DATED THIS DAY OF 2011. PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL CD C= >Cl) Donald M. Lault, President >r— PIP .1 jRVEjD TO FORMAND LEGALITY C ?PCD VincO Oti6scia,City Solicitor COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHusETTS Ln MASSACHUSETTS SENATE STATE HOUSE OFFICE STATE HousE,BosToN,MA 02133-1007 STArc House Room 416A BOSTON,MA 02133 TEL.(617)722-1660 DISTRICT OFFICE 772 UNION STREET SENATOR WEST SPAINGrICLO,MA 01089 JAMES T WELCH TEL.(413)737-7756 HAMPDEN DISTRICT JAMESWELCHOMASENATE.GOV VVWW.MASENATr;.GQV Jaw COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAU-nES AND RECACNAL GoVERNMEN7, CHMR August 23, 2011 Mayor Richard A. Cohen Agawam Town Hall 36 Main Street Agawam, MA 01001 Dear Mayor Cohen, I am writing in response to your inquiry regarding the additional local aid allocation for FY11. The language in Section 198 of Chapter 61 of the Acts of 2011 sets a deadline of October 31, 2011 for distribution of any funds. it is the intention of the state to use the funds to backfill the FY11 allocation, which would be a distribution of$225,300 to the Town of Agawam. However, the official determination on how these funds are going to be- distributed has not been decided. I will keep you informed as the final determinations are made. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions. Sincerely, m mes T. Welch s I t t ate Senator t S m p I ampden eN NICHOLAS A. BOLDYGA COMMITTEES: STATE REPRESENTATIVE FINANCIAL SERVICES STATE HOUSE,ROOM 167 PUBLIC SAFETY&HOMELAND SECURITY TEL:(617)722-2810 HIGHER EDUCATION EMAIL: Nicholas.Boldyga@MAhouse-gov August 23, 2011 Dear Mayor Cohen, Acc ording to the House Ways & Means Committee, between late September and early October the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will disperse approximately$65 million in local aid to cities and towns. As you may know, the recently passed Local Aid amendment to the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget seeks to allow half of the Commonwealth's reversions, a maximum of$65 million, to be distributed to municipalities. This distribution is based on the Lottery formula and these monies will aid cities and towns with a one-time funding reimbursement. I've recently inquired Wth the House Ways& Means Committee regarding the reimbursement allocations for the City of Agawam. The House Ways & Means Committee informed me the reversions will mostly likely mirror FY 2011 levels of Local Aid. Despite this projection, the House Ways & Means Committee was not able to guarantee the reversions will equal Fiscal Year 2011 levels. Thank you for contacting my office regarding this important issue. I will make sure to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Sincerely, Nicholas A . Boldyga State RepresentaUve 3rd Hampden District Proudly Serving Agawam, Granville, Russell and Southwick