Joint meeting: Town Council, School Committee and state legislators
March 21, 2022
8 am
BMS Presentation Room
Present:
Schools: Gina Bae, Megan Douglas, Amanda Basse, Michael Messore, Paula Dillon, and Douglas Fiore; absent: Patrick McCrann and Erika Sevetson
Town: Michael Carroll, Jacob Brier, Annelise Conway, Phil Hervey; absent: Carl Kustell and Rob Humm
State legislators: Senator Cynthia Coyn, Rep. Jason Knight and Rep. Liana Cassar.
Gina Bae welcomed everyone to the meeting.
She called the meeting of the School Committee to order.
Mr. Carroll called the meeting of the Town Council to order.
The Town Council members and the Town Manager discussed their concerns regarding Climate Change/resiliency, including some of the restrictions regarding current laws about solar power for home owners as well as EV funding restrictions; OMA changes that would enhance accessibility regardless of the pandemic; local gun control options, especially around securing firearms; and the coordination of major infrastructure projects, such as the Wampanoag Trail refinishing, for which no local input has been considered.
The School Committee members and the School Administration discussed their concerns regarding the recent resolution to extend the housing aid bonus deadlines, keeping an eye on the funding formula, and avoiding specific curriculum requirements/checking for funding when bills do come up with regards to curriculum or other training programs. Specific discussion ensued around the current efforts to delay or otherwise change the Right to Read Act; it was clarified that the act was unfunded, but Barrington is funding it through the use of grants; Dr. Dillon stressed that the training is working, and that Barrington has already seen the related benefits. There is also a process to change the secondary graduation requirements going through RIDE; it is unclear where that will be coming to the general assembly. Dr. Dillon also stressed the importance of defining the funding for universal pre-K which has been proposed for starting in 2028 in the Senate; there does not appear to be a partner bill in the House at this time.
Mrs. Coyne explained that she had proposed a bill in the Senate that would extend the housing aid bonuses. It is on the agenda in finance for Thursday, 3/24/22. She discussed some of the work being done on criminal harassment and gun control. She had gotten the tobacco 21 bill passed last year, which is in line with what the town had asked for last year.
Mr. Knight discussed the best ways to communicate with the legislators, and asked for specification if we want bills or not when submitting resolutions. He emphasized how thankful he is to have this opportunity to meet; most legislators do not have this relationship with their local government officials. He also stressed the importance of having legal counsel have a more advisory capacity to let the SC and TC know when upcoming bills may impact their work. He reported that there are two bills in on solar power, but it appears that a meaningful change will require a complete rethinking of the full net metering system, as well as the regulatory and economic underpinnings. He touched briefly on the harassment bills. He also stressed the importance of paying attention to the Canabis Bills (H7593/S2430) which will likely pass in some form this spring.
Ms. Cassar updated the information about the Housing aid bonus bill which has been proposed by Craven and Caldwell (H7609). She does not perceive any movement to make significant changes to the funding formula. She reported about a package of bills put forward on housing legislation which will be considered in parts over the spring and will likely have local impacts. She reported that there is no universal agreement on how to update the OMA so there is unlikely to be movement this year. She currently serves on HHS and prescription drug coverage seems to be the primary topic.
Mr. Knight also gave an update on the bike path bridges.
Gina Bae asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting just after 9 AM; Megan Douglas moved and Amanda Basse seconded the motion. The motion passed 3/3 with Gina Bae, Megan Douglas and Amanda Basse voting in the affirmative.
Michael Carroll asked for a motion to adjourn the Town Council meeting just after 9 AM; Jacob Brief moved and Annelise Conway seconded the motion. The motion passed 3/3 with all members present voting in the affirmative.