Bristol County public meetings in 2020

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners will meet to approve personnel changes and payroll warrants. The body will also consider an easement between BCAHS and Eversource and a PERAC appropriation notice for FY 2022.

• Personnel matters including new hires, retirements, and terminations
• Easement between BCAHS and Eversource
• PERAC appropriation notice for FY 2022
• Review of 2021 Meeting Schedule

Commissioners

The Commissioners will meet to review personnel changes, payroll warrants, and the Taunton Superior Court boiler cleaning vote. The body is also scheduled to execute the Teamsters Local 59 contract.

• Execution of the Teamsters Local 59 Contract
• Revise vote for Taunton Superior Court Boiler Cleaning
• Authorization for County Administrator to approve December MIIA health insurance invoice
• Execution of Certificate of Votes for Bristol County Treasurer
• Review of personnel matters including new hires, retirements, and terminations

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on November 17, 2020, at the Taunton Superior Courthouse. The agenda includes routine items such as approving personnel matters, payroll and AP warrants, and minutes from the previous meeting, as well as a discussion on fraudulent unemployment claims and a change of meeting date. The meeting is open to the public with remote participation options.

• Review and approve personnel matters including new hires, retirements, medical leaves, terminations
• Review of Payroll and AP Warrants
• Communication from Bristol Aggie HS regarding Sick Bank Donation
• Change of meeting date to certify votes from December 1 to December 2
• Discussion on fraudulent Unemployment claims and DUA Invoice

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners will meet to review personnel changes and payroll warrants. The body will vote on a heating oil contract and the November MIIA invoice. An executive session is scheduled to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Award of No.2 heating oil contract (State contract ENE45)
• Review of personnel matters including new hires, retirements, and terminations
• Authorization vote for County Administrator to approve November MIIA invoice
• Communication from Bristol Aggie HS regarding Sick Bank Donation
• Communication from Atlantic Elevator regarding NB 3rd District Court elevator inspections

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners are meeting to continue their review of the Fiscal Year 2021 budget. This includes a specific review of the Bristol County Agricultural High School budget and the total County budget.

• Review of Bristol County Agricultural High School Budget
• Review of total County Budget for FY 2021
• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy

The Bristol County Commissioners unanimously approved the FY2021 county budget of $23,998,661.15 and the Bristol County Agricultural School budget of $10,011,650.47. They also approved a memorandum of agreement with Teamsters Local 59, including 2% annual wage increases and adding Juneteenth as a holiday. The budget will be sent to the Advisory Board for a hearing on November 19, 2020.

• Approved FY2021 Bristol County Agricultural School budget of $10,011,650.47 (unanimous)
• Approved FY2021 Bristol County budget of $23,998,661.15 (unanimous)
• Approved FY2021 estimated receipts of $23,998,661.15 (unanimous)
• Approved Teamsters Local 59 MOA with 2% annual wage increases and Juneteenth holiday (unanimous)
• Scheduled Advisory Board budget hearing for November 19, 2020 at 6 p.m. (unanimous)
• Approved wage correction for Emily Anderson effective 10/14/20 (unanimous)
• Moved November 3, 2020 meeting to November 4, 2020 at 6 p.m.

Revised

The Commissioners are conducting a continued review of the Fiscal Year 2021 budget. This includes reviews of both the total County Budget and the Bristol County Agricultural High School Budget. The meeting also includes a review of the Memorandum of Agreement between Bristol County and the Teamsters.

• Review of MOA between Bristol County and the Teamsters
• Review of Bristol County Agricultural High School Budget
• Review of total County Budget for FY 2021

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners are meeting to review the Fiscal Year 2021 budget and personnel changes. The body will also discuss facility maintenance and various administrative reports.

• Personnel matters including new hires, retirements, and terminations
• Replacement of lavatory at NB Superior
• Quote from ABS Technologies for hard-wired internet in the Jury Room
• FY '2021 Deeds Retainage Agreement review
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy

The Bristol County Commissioners approved the FY 2021 agreement allowing the county to retain an additional $2,712,200 in deeds excise revenue, and approved several warrants, contracts, and personnel actions. They also accepted the 2021 Medex rates with no change, and approved an emergency steam pipe repair. The meeting ended with a unanimous vote to enter executive session for collective bargaining, with no return to open session.

• Approved FY2021 agreement retaining $2,712,200 in deeds excise revenue (3-0)
• Approved AP warrants #21030 ($128,656.27) and #21031 ($4,498,892.15), and payroll warrant #21037 ($159,900.24) (3-0)
• Approved $6,910 contract to Araujo Bros. for detention toilet replacement at New Bedford Superior Court (3-0)
• Approved $1,187.50 invoice from NFP Corporate Services (3-0)
• Approved $4,000 October rent payment to Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County (3-0)
• Approved $3,734 for CAT-6 cable installation at Taunton Superior Court (3-0)
• Approved $6,600 emergency steam pipe repair at Taunton Superior Court (3-0)
• Accepted 2021 Medex 2 & Blue Medicare Rx rates with no change, $366/month (3-0)

Commissioners

The Commissioners will review the Fiscal Year 2021 budget and discuss water leaks in the County Commissioner’s office space. The body will also consider personnel matters and various invoices for county services.

• Review of Fiscal Year 2021 budget
• Invoice from JD Rivet & Co. for Taunton Superior Roof Project
• Invoices from Araujo Plumbing-Insulation and Advance Air & Heat Co. for NB 3rd District
• Invoice from Attorney Robert Novack for contract negotiations
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy

The Bristol County Commissioners unanimously approved multiple payments, including a $65,000 first installment for the Gable Roof construction at Taunton Superior Court and an emergency expense up to $8,000 for repairing water leaks above the Commissioner's Office. They also approved routine warrants, personnel changes, and several vendor invoices, all by unanimous roll call votes.

• Approved AP Warrant #21029 ($43,282.53) and Payroll Warrant #21033 ($160,366.76) unanimously
• Approved employment changes at Bristol County Agricultural High School (3 hires) unanimously
• Approved $2,320 invoice to Araujo Bros. Plumbing & Heating for insulation piping at New Bedford 3rd District Court unanimously
• Approved $5,494.35 total invoices to Advance Air & Heat Company Inc. unanimously
• Approved $65,000 first installment to J.D. Rivet & Co. for Gable Roof construction at Taunton Superior Court unanimously
• Approved $750 legal services invoice from Attorney Robert M. Novack unanimously
• Approved emergency gutter repair expense not to exceed $8,000 with J.D. Rivet & Co. unanimously
• Approved temporary attorney parking at New Bedford 3rd District Court (2 lawyer spots, 8 juror spots) unanimously

Commissioners

The Commissioners are meeting to review the Fiscal Year 2021 budget and the award of a contract for auditing services. The body will also address personnel matters, payroll warrants, and a grant application. An executive session is scheduled to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Award of contract for RFP Auditing Services
• Review of Fiscal Year 2021 budget
• Review of JAG Grant Application
• Review of UAW FY 21-23 MOA
• MMHR membership renewal

Priority Needs

The Bristol County Commissioners are conducting a hearing to review budget submissions for the 2021 fiscal year. The body will also review personnel matters, payroll warrants, and proposals for financial auditing services.

• Budget reviews for Agricultural HS, Registry of Deeds (Taunton, New Bedford, Fall River), Treasurer, Print Shop, Commissioner's Office, County Buildings, and County Deeds
• Review of proposals for financial auditing services
• Children’s Advocacy Center rent invoice
• MIIA Health Insurance invoice for September 2020
• JD Rivet Roofing invoice

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to determine priority needs for Fiscal Year 2021. The county does not anticipate receiving Federal Revenue Sharing Funds for this period.

• Public hearing to determine FY 2021 priority needs

Commissioners

The Commissioners will meet to review personnel matters, payroll, and the FY '21 County Tax Assessment. The body will also consider quotes for annual boiler system cleaning and review various invoices.

• County Tax Assessment for FY ‘21
• Revised vote on boiler system annual cleaning quotes
• Auditing Report on Court Rental for FY 2019
• Invoice from Lynch Marini & Associates Inc. for FY ’19
• Seguin Electric Invoice for ND Trial Court-Judge’s Lobby

The Bristol County Commissioners voted unanimously to issue the Fiscal Year 2021 County Tax of $6,847,213.47 to the 20 communities, with amounts ranging from $95,574.27 (Berkley) to $663,558.47 (New Bedford). They also approved multiple warrants, employment changes, and vendor payments, including a $1,380 ramp repair at New Bedford Superior Court and a $4,800 electrical invoice for the Judge's Lobby buildout. The board deferred item #12 and entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy, adjourning without returning to open session.

• Approved FY2021 County Tax levy of $6,847,213.47 to 20 communities (unanimous)
• Approved CPs (personnel changes) as presented (unanimous)
• Approved warrants including $5,076,571.42 AP warrant 21014 (unanimous)
• Approved $1,380 estimate from Jose Cardozo Contracting for New Bedford Superior Court ramp repair (unanimous)
• Approved $1,187.50 prior-year invoice from NFP Corporate Services (unanimous)
• Approved $2,500 final FY2019 audit invoice from Lynch Marini & Associates (unanimous)
• Approved $4,800 Seguin Electric invoice for Judge's Lobby buildout at New Bedford 3rd District Court (unanimous)
• Approved $8,950 in boiler cleaning quotes from Lemieux Heating (unanimous)

Commissioners

The Commissioners will meet to approve personnel changes and review payroll and accounts payable warrants. The body will also consider quotes for annual cleaning of the boiler system. Executive sessions are scheduled for collective bargaining and non-union contract negotiations.

• Personnel matters including new hires, retirements, and terminations
• Payroll and AP Warrants review
• Boiler system annual cleaning quotes
• Medical invoice discussion
• Executive sessions for collective bargaining and non-union contract negotiations

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners will meet to review personnel changes and payroll warrants. The body is discussing contract renewals for NFP Consulting and NFP Insurance services, as well as an auditing proposal from Lynch, Marini and Associates.

• Renewal of NFP Consulting and NFP Insurance services contracts
• Auditing proposal from Lynch, Marini and Associates
• Teamster Union Local No.59 bargaining request
• FY 2019 preliminary audit results for Courthouse Facilities
• Children’s Museum electric consumption for FY '20

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners will meet to review personnel changes and payroll warrants. The body will vote on FY 2021 appropriations for the Retirement Board regarding County employees and the Sheriff's Department.

• FY 2021 Appropriation to the Bristol County Retirement Board for the Sheriff’s Department
• FY 2021 Appropriation to the Bristol County Retirement Board for County Employees
• Borrowing Request for BCAHS Project
• Massachusetts Clean Water Trust Loan Payments for BCAHS
• Invoice for MIIA July 2020 Health Insurance Premium

The Bristol County Commissioners unanimously approved a $37,115,000 short-term Bond Anticipatory Note to continue the Bristol County Agricultural High School building and renovation project. They also approved FY2021 appropriations for the county retirement system and the Sheriff's Department unfunded liability, along with numerous year-end budget transfers and routine payments.

• Approved $37,115,000 BAN for ag school project (3-0)
• Approved FY2021 retirement appropriation of $1,369,597 (3-0)
• Approved $2,712,201 for Sheriff's Dept unfunded liability (3-0)
• Approved $150,000 for New Bedford Superior Court cupola repair (3-0)
• Approved $700 emergency AC repair at New Bedford 3rd District Court (3-0)
• Approved $214,351.14 MIIA health insurance premium (3-0)
• Approved $6,073,623.92 AP warrant #20121 (3-0)
• Approved multiple FY2020 budget transfers (3-0)

Commissioners

The Commissioners will review personnel matters, payroll, and various invoices. The agenda includes communications regarding Avenue Insights & Analytics LLC and the Bristol County Fire Chiefs Association.

• Review of personnel matters including hires, retirements, and terminations
• Communication from Register McDonald regarding Avenue Insights & Analytics LLC contract
• Communication from Bristol County Fire Chiefs Association-FY '21
• Invoice from Lynch Marini & Associates Inc. for FY '19 Audit & Management Letter
• Invoice for Property Insurance for FY '21

Commissioners

The Commissioners will review personnel matters, payroll warrants, and insurance quotes. The agenda includes communications regarding fund balances, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and surplus property.

• Review of Payroll and AP Warrants
• FY '2021 Building and liability Insurance quote
• Atlantic Elevator-Annual Inspection New Bedford Registry of Deeds
• Cupola Estimate

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners will meet to review payroll, personnel changes, and COVID-19 updates. The body will discuss facility issues including a sidewalk accident at Attleboro Court and a roof bid for Taunton Superior Court.

• Roof bid award for Taunton Superior Court
• Expansion of Judges’ Lobby at NB 3Rd District
• Damage to sidewalk corner granite post at Attleboro Court
• MIIA monthly Health Insurance Invoice for June 2020
• Personnel matters including new hires, retirements, and terminations

Commissioners

The Commissioners will meet to approve personnel changes and review payroll and accounts payable warrants. The body will also discuss COVID-19 updates and facility maintenance for county buildings.

• Personnel matters including new hires, retirements, and terminations
• Invoice from Lynch Marini & Associates Inc. for FY ’19 Audit
• Elevator Contract for County buildings
• Expansion of Judges’ Lobby in NB 3Rd District
• Rental of lift for Superior Court gutters and Taunton Registry roof

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners are meeting via teleconference to approve personnel changes and review payroll and accounts payable warrants. The body will also discuss COVID-19 staffing updates and the Bristol County Agricultural High School Surplus Property-Phase #3.

• Personnel matters including new hires, retirements, and terminations
• Bristol County Agricultural High School Surplus Property-Phase #3
• Monthly health insurance invoice from MIIA for May
• Lemieux Heating, Inc. invoice for the Children’s Museum location
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy

The Bristol County Commissioners approved declaring Phase #3 property at the Agricultural High School as surplus, forwarded a $377,078.24 health insurance premium payment, and approved several smaller invoices and reimbursements. They also voted to send a letter regarding a custodian's COVID-19 quarantine and noted the transfer of misdirected Coronavirus Relief Funds back to the U.S. Treasury.

• Approved minutes of April 17 & 21, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved AP Warrant #21010 for $61,911.54 and Payroll Warrant #20104 for $157,514.52 (unanimous)
• Approved declaring Phase #3 property at Bristol County Agricultural High School as surplus (unanimous)
• Approved forwarding $377,078.24 to MITA Health Benefits Trust for March 2020 premiums (unanimous)
• Approved forwarding $498.10 to Lemieux Heating for service at Fall River Children's Museum (unanimous)
• Approved medical bill payment of $61.34 for employee Deborah Lima-Gonsalves (unanimous)
• Approved sending letter to custodian about COVID-19 quarantine (unanimous)
• Approved $60.00 reimbursement to Maria Gomes for 40 masks (unanimous)

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners are meeting via teleconference to discuss Registry of Deeds operations. The body will vote on reversing a transfer of Coronavirus Relief Act funds earmarked for the State of Massachusetts.

• Vote to reverse transfer of Coronavirus Relief Act fund earmarked for the State of Massachusetts
• Review of staff operations and schedule at the Registry of Deeds

Commissioners

The Commissioners will meet via teleconference to review personnel matters, payroll, and FY 2021 dental rates. The agenda includes discussions on COVID-19 updates, the CARES Act, and staffing levels.

• FY 2021 dental rates
• COVID-19 updates and the CARES Act
• Roof bid review for Taunton Superior Court
• Children’s Advocacy Center April 2020 rent invoice
• Lemieux Heating invoice

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners are holding an emergency teleconference meeting. The primary agenda item is the withdrawal of an application for federal Coronavirus Relief Funding under the CARES Act.

• Withdrawal of application for federal Coronavirus Relief Funding under the CARES Act

Commissioners

The Commissioners will meet via teleconference to review personnel matters and payroll warrants. The agenda includes updates on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and staffing schedules for registries and administrative offices.

• COVID-19 updates and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
• Staffing levels and schedules for Registries, Facilities, and Administrative Offices
• Atlantic Elevator South Co., Inc. Fall River Registry Annual Inspection
• Roof bids for Taunton Superior Court
• Review of personnel matters including new hires, retirements, and terminations

The Bristol County Commissioners voted unanimously to delay the start date for a new janitor/custodian at the agricultural high school from April 6 to April 28, 2020. They also approved payroll and accounts payable warrants, contracted for an elevator inspection, and adopted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) leave request forms. The meeting was held via teleconference due to the COVID-19 state of emergency.

• Delayed hire of Jay Lee as Janitor/Custodian to April 28, 2020 (3-0)
• Approved minutes of March 24, 2020 (3-0)
• Approved Payroll Warrant #20096 and AP Warrant #20093 for $416,323.09 (3-0)
• Engaged Atlantic Elevator South Co. for elevator inspection at Fall River Registry, $422.00 (3-0)
• Adopted FFCRA leave request forms as developed by County Administrator (3-0)

Commissioners

The Commissioners are meeting via teleconference to approve personnel changes and payroll warrants. The body will also review monthly invoices for the Children’s Advocacy Center and health insurance.

• Personnel matters including new hires, retirements, and terminations
• Payroll and AP Warrants review
• Children’s Advocacy Center March 2020 rent invoice
• MIIA monthly health insurance invoice
• Insurance Advisory Committee retiree member and commissioner representative

Emergency Meeting

The Commissioners are meeting via teleconference to declare a state of emergency in Bristol County due to COVID-19. The body will discuss building closures, staffing levels, and the purchase of emergency laptops for the County Treasurer’s and Commissioner’s offices to enable remote work.

• Declaration of a State of Emergency related to COVID-19
• Discussion on building closures and staff levels
• Emergency laptop purchases for the County Treasurer’s Office
• Emergency laptop purchases for the County Commissioner’s Office
• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners will meet to review personnel changes and payroll warrants. The body will also consider a vote regarding surplus property at Bristol Aggie. An executive session is scheduled to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Vote on Bristol Aggie surplus property
• Review of personnel matters including new hires and retirements
• Review of Payroll and AP Warrants
• Revised OPEB Valuation Report

Final

The Bristol County Commissioners will review personnel changes and payroll warrants. The body will also discuss and vote on surplus property at Bristol Aggie and an easement request from National Grid.

• Vote on Bristol Aggie surplus property
• National Grid Easement Request for 135 Center Street, Dighton
• Review of Revised OPEB Valuation Report
• Approval of personnel matters including hires and retirements
• Executive Session regarding collective bargaining strategy

Commissioners

The Commissioners will review personnel matters, payroll warrants, and health insurance invoices. The agenda also includes a review of surplus property at Bristol Aggie and a discussion regarding repairs to the Taunton Superior Court Building.

• Review of Bristol Aggie surplus property
• Discussion on Taunton Superior Court Building repairs
• MIIA Health Insurance invoice for March 2020
• Personnel matters including hires, retirements, and leaves

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners will meet to review personnel changes and approve payroll and accounts payable warrants. The body will also discuss repairs and rental for the Taunton Superior Court building.

• Invoice from Lynch, Marini & Associates, Inc. for FY ’19 Audit
• Rent invoice for the Children’s Advocacy Center for February 2020
• OPEB Valuation Report and invoice from Odyssey Advisors
• Discussion on Taunton Superior Court Building repairs and rental
• Communication from Mike Vining regarding surplus property

The Bristol County Commissioners approved payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling over $2.9 million, along with invoices for the FY2019 audit and OPEB actuarial services. They also authorized the final payment for the Taunton Superior Court roof project and discussed a potential court relocation. All actions were approved unanimously by the two commissioners present.

• Approved minutes of January 28, 2020 (2-0)
• Approved Payroll Warrant #20076 ($160,782.08) and #20078 ($168,169.96)
• Approved AP Warrants #20073 ($1,893,388.03), #20077 ($2,840.00), #20074 ($469,413.72), #20069 ($260,980.71)
• Approved invoice #244 of $6,000.00 to Lynch Marini & Associates for FY2019 audit
• Approved $2,916.00 rent contribution to Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County
• Approved scrapping two surplus computers from Bristol County Print Shop
• Approved invoice #5115 of $6,350.00 to Odyssey Advisors for OPEB actuarial services
• Authorized final payment of $20,562.98 for Taunton Superior Court roof project

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners will meet to elect a Chairman and approve personnel matters. The body will review several invoices and requests for equipment disposal. A Bond Anticipation Note for the Agricultural School Project is scheduled for signing.

• Signing of the Bond Anticipation Note for the Agricultural School Project
• Invoice from Gorman Construction for two chimney flashings
• Request from Keith LePage for sick day buy back
• Request to dispose of two computer towers
• Surety Bonds for Register of Deeds-Amaral, McDonald, Kalisz, Assistant Register Collias, and Superintendent Sands

The Bristol County Commissioners approved a $13,245,000 bond anticipation note (BAN) for the Bristol County Agricultural High School building and renovation project. They also unanimously supported the Fall River Children's Museum's plan to build an outdoor sensory area with gardens and interactive activities, funded by a state grant. Various warrants, invoices, and personnel actions were approved, and the meeting adjourned at 4:27 pm.

• Approved $13,245,000 BAN for Ag High School project
• Supported Fall River Children's Museum outdoor sensory area (unanimous)
• Approved payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling over $1.2M
• Approved sick day buy-back for Keith LePage
• Approved medical bill payment of $81.52 for Deborah Lima-Gonsalves
• Approved $1,280 payment to Gorman Construction for chimney repairs
• Approved $377,322.30 MIIA health benefits premium for February 2020
• Approved $5,525 payment to Attorney Robert Novack for legal services

Commissioners

The Bristol County Commissioners unanimously approved payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling over $5.9 million, increased the sick leave bank for the agricultural high school by 8 days, approved a $4,000 rent invoice for the Children's Advocacy Center, and changed the next meeting date to December 2, 2020. They also received employment notices and discussed fraudulent unemployment claims.

• Approved payroll and AP warrants totaling $5,923,907.09 (3-0)
• Increased sick leave bank by 8 days to 212 hours for 2020-2021 (3-0)
• Approved $4,000 rent invoice for Children's Advocacy Center (3-0)
• Changed next meeting date to December 2, 2020 (3-0)
• Received and filed employment notices from BCAHS and County Administrator
• Received and filed communication correcting pay rate for Michelle Nogueira

Commissioners

The Commissioners are meeting to elect a Chairman and approve personnel changes, including new hires and retirements. The body will also review various maintenance invoices and facility repair quotes.

• Election of County Commissioner’s Chairman
• Lynch & Marini interim invoice for FY’19 Audit services
• Repairs at New Bedford 3rd District Court and Fall River Children’s Museum by Araujo Bros.
• Mass. Clean Water Trust Loan Repayment and Administrative Fee (BCAHS Sewer)
• Contract with Avenu Enterprise Solutions, LLC

The Bristol County Commissioners elected Paul B. Kitchen as Chairman for 2020 and approved routine warrants, invoices, and contracts. They unanimously authorized borrowing an additional $13,200,000 in a short-term Bond Anticipatory Note for the Bristol County Agricultural High School building project. The board also approved several emergency repairs, a new OPEB actuarial contract, and entered executive session for litigation.

• Elected Paul B. Kitchen as Chairman for 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling $873,867.92
• Approved $13.2M Bond Anticipatory Note for ag school project (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 invoice for FY2019 audit from Lynch Marini & Associates
• Engaged Atlantic Elevator South Co. for elevator inspection at Taunton Superior Court ($422)
• Approved $11,660 roof/skylight repair at New Bedford 3rd District Court
• Approved $379,589.12 MIIA Health Benefits Trust premium for January 2020
• Rescinded August 2019 OPEB actuarial vote with Stone Consulting; engaged Odyssey Advisors