[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6234309,"mediaKeyId","3411551-a35647c723138300accc9df94094df4e","parentId",3411551,"title","Committee approves $12,000 transfer to cover animal control overtime amid staffing shortages","audioSeconds",93,"startMs",3782000,"endMs",3875000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411551-a35647c723138300accc9df94094df4e&start=3782&end=3875","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411551-a35647c723138300accc9df94094df4e/thumbnail_3782000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6234309/Brockton-City/Plymouth-County/Massachusetts/Committee-approves-12000-transfer-to-cover-animal-control-overtime-amid-staffing-shortages","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234309-6722a0ad66183fe1ebf9a9e0e7a3a1db/orig.mp4?Expires=1775204143&Signature=YvHhZGGHdFWb6x0WdxNkxCnNUF187lsq~5w7i65H2PoDb1fUojL8hErwhveN3W9~SW8IQz9q9Mkd-h5s~fPGBBodmWdGgwcgyS6-tdg1PBWfk9vZSKaPTsuTnOdwAp6cO9U-ZfbookcdZVGjsHXBdFnaXf4fuJDTJ9CKIHoga2yKKUJlveBWh5G7SbKcxQESQ2yIw4oiuMMz-7tkthl9hWKOU6J85Mlrl4GgvCb9YAV-8Jt2Z6NnoGJRUqYXW0MBcvkzWH9nGwTtOwb3KQam9qsFJuFTTE~NpEGnY7FuJfbFOA3nx3gCqowhmg3f7tWcAVYez1JgcHPYptiX8pHFog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Brockton City, MA","date","2025-05-21T00:43:17.93Z","article","The Finance Committee on Monday recommended favorably an order transferring $12,000 from the animal control full‑time salaries line to the department’s overtime budget to maintain coverage through the end of the fiscal year.

Director of Animal Control Tom Decelles told the committee the department currently is operating with a roughly 45 percent reduction in staffing, including a vacant administrative assistant position and three of six animal control officers out on workers’ compensation. Remaining employees have been using vacation, comp time and personal leave, and Decelles said the overtime line would reach a critically low balance without the transfer.

CFO Dr. Troy Clarkson introduced the item and explained transfers between salary lines are a common budgetary tool to cover temporary staffing shortfalls. The committee voted to recommend the transfer favorably.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Brockton Finance Committee Meeting 5-19-25","oneSentenceSummary","The Finance Committee recommended transfer of $12,000 from animal control full‑time salaries to overtime after the department reported a 45 percent staffing reduction and three of six officers out on workers’ compensation.","taxTitle","Brockton City, Plymouth County, Massachusetts","taxId",4538,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234314,"Committee approves $11,961 grant to buy firefighter turnout gear; PFAS transition noted",206,209000,415000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411551-a35647c723138300accc9df94094df4e&start=209&end=415","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411551-a35647c723138300accc9df94094df4e/thumbnail_209000.jpg","/articles/6234314/Brockton-City/Plymouth-County/Massachusetts/Committee-approves-11961-grant-to-buy-firefighter-turnout-gear-PFAS-transition-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234314-ab394622da5c3c06c40e24088b1d62cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775204143&Signature=VUp1Exb8~p48jaxcqJB6MQYInxTI7bA-qKIxZBM6zaT01sPkbRVMAmPGnWC~JLXnu2HBAHiomwydKvwWtswTPpkjSxbD4Fe6UuFMR0QKrlWH0PAMY6Y3azjcQ7YCVbASGLEThaCO~wS8~cqDH-K3E9wVLFdg1i8ro-nJUa-NutVccpOTE5QDpT4~HvCrKmfttqgKqWiU0WWkw4H91nZrqU~3z~wjXyTbWWnLmqTsK-IWpFn6eyN9AQzQNF7sk7IhC6fNt2HF0Xwr-WatFFYPj~DvtI5AaOTFydW0532xDb6y24xNJQ0hqEOw3R1s~pmOYUV0ulOfdlggQjjK0BBl2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Finance Committee on Monday recommended favorably an order accepting $11,961.20 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fire Services to the Brockton Fire Department to purchase turnout gear.

Fire Chief Brian Nardelli told the committee the grant is leftover money from a five‑year SAFE (Safety and Equipment) program and is a non‑matching award. He said the department will use the funds immediately to purchase as many sets of turnout gear as possible; rising gear prices mean the grant will not cover a large number of full sets.

Chief Nardelli explained turnout gear includes coats and pants that provide thermal, water and biohazard protection for firefighters entering burning structures. He said manufacturers are moving to PFAS‑free materials and that any turnout gear purchased after 2027 will need to be PFAS‑free under forthcoming standards; the department has been shifting to lighter EMS‑style coats for non‑fire calls to reduce heat exposure and long‑term risks.

Committee members voted to recommend the order favorably.","The committee recommended favorably acceptance of an $11,961.20 grant from the Commonwealth Department of Fire Services to buy turnout gear for Brockton firefighters; Chief Brian Nardelli said the funds will buy a few sets and noted PFAS removal requirements by 2027.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234320,"Plymouth DA unveils plan for Brockton community court; finance committee backs resolve",2983,3852000,6835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411551-a35647c723138300accc9df94094df4e&start=3852&end=6835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411551-a35647c723138300accc9df94094df4e/thumbnail_3852000.jpg","/articles/6234320/Brockton-City/Plymouth-County/Massachusetts/Plymouth-DA-unveils-plan-for-Brockton-community-court-finance-committee-backs-resolve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234320-e9ec38fef1a6b8e42bdd9e816ef0b691/orig.mp4?Expires=1775204143&Signature=GvQUAESmkSHD5ZChilbzLjiyn1ZJ0SJXU7WKf72MP1EyyO0t5xAbAMslVO4GcZXbIyZJme900FOnAk9t28~tkDkG8cKN1GQ7p989d7RNDJ~niLmSNfuyIKCmoiYTsZeNGzNuDqR23eDGy~BlAH7wDM1C3tGfTTzKN4aLbCQSCTAj3J7eNzYP6yqrsZ8IOiPwygOOsO544~TI0rt0muTICrMGqvIP8RuiJCitVmI6aZLKGr8G5vAmpF496QA5YYvRPXdCpKLK-YXEdNe8b3aXNF~HKzeMFsxa3XRaWbQb2Nc0vGqcDROGvvI~6D1VpZrGtfA5HQbRP3URVq6l8GZifA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brockton Finance Committee on Monday recommended favorably a resolve to invite Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz and partners to prepare a plan for a Brockton community court funded by a $900,000 Department of Justice grant.

DA Timothy Cruz and community court coordinator Jeffrey Smith described the proposal as a restorative, accountability‑based court to handle low‑level, nonviolent misdemeanors and link defendants to mental‑health counseling, substance‑use treatment, housing assistance and other services. Cruz said the program will be countywide in scope but intends to operate out of Brockton District Court as a hub for services and case management.

“This is a county wide court,” Cruz told the committee. “It will be the first community court in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” He said the office received the four‑year Department of Justice award last September and that the pilot will draw on best practices from about 34 community courts nationwide.

Jeffrey Smith, who has probation and community‑rehabilitation experience, said the court will provide a case manager who meets defendants before they see a judge, conduct risk assessments and assemble individualized service plans. Officials said the grant contemplates serving roughly 50–55 people in the pilot year and about 600 over the life of the four‑year grant if the program scales as planned.

Councilors expressed broad support but also asked practical questions about where services will be based, how citations and municipal ordinances (including the city’s anti‑encampment ordinance) would feed cases to the court, and whether trial court administrators would accept citations in lieu of traditional preliminary proceedings. Cruz said the administration was working with trial court stakeholders and acknowledged the judiciary has questions; he said the DA’s office would continue discussions to ensure the court can accept appropriate cases and track outcomes.

Councilors said they will support outreach and data collection; several praised the county outreach teams and diversion efforts that have contributed to reductions in juvenile cases and overall crime statistics in recent years. The committee recommended the resolve favorably.","The Finance Committee favorably recommended a resolve inviting Plymouth County officials to prepare a community court pilot in Brockton, supported by a $900,000 Department of Justice grant to divert low‑level offenses to treatment and services.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234325,"Finance committee delays decision on $2 million EPA biosolids design grant after extended debate",2148,1631000,3779000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411551-a35647c723138300accc9df94094df4e&start=1631&end=3779","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411551-a35647c723138300accc9df94094df4e/thumbnail_1631000.jpg","/articles/6234325/Brockton-City/Plymouth-County/Massachusetts/Finance-committee-delays-decision-on-2-million-EPA-biosolids-design-grant-after-extended-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234325-95b185488265d24f0c904a787d1d3777/orig.mp4?Expires=1775204143&Signature=e35KXXxJ9N8mXml5GM8Lx0U0R0Jdqy9L2Y-tzbtVZeWn9c5xkbf1Z736LQygKKKlg3aq7Krsp1Al6BAK2aSHNWvxDb17dATezkG8FWR0tNpCngysBcH6-qpM~86gUnnWoQcsMS7wHiAfINDwxCPPatYiuN4FcUtjuG~sL~8ilL4yhy1d7csihCbViTFdsTeHQER6rK8fy0cHlqcur2ZOovB64qsfZSlcou8S9OMRRxQMSQdAC0n5ZhmvA87wKUUX6zUg2jAa0N4oADP3FnN42-ztrHBRylSNY7Q4NTGK2ekhIR35TtgMQnUJp3j8pV5~V6w9G82ZbyHdF8DnxjNIfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brockton Finance Committee on Monday debated whether to accept and expend a $2,000,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency intended to fund design work for a biosolids dryer at the city’s wastewater treatment plant, then voted to postpone action for two weeks.

CFO Dr. Troy Clarkson and DPW Commissioner Patrick Hill briefed the committee on the award, which stems from congressionally directed spending and companioned earlier grant efforts. Dr. Clarkson said the EPA held the funds while the city completed a procurement process and that the appropriation will allow the city to begin the design phase. He said the design phase does not commit the city to construction and that the design contract has not yet been finalized.

Commissioner Hill and Dr. Clarkson traced the project’s recent history: Brockton previously pursued a roughly $35 million project through the State Revolving Fund but withdrew that application in 2023; the city issued an RFEI and later an RFP for design, and CDM Smith was the only firm that submitted a design proposal so far. No design contract has yet been signed, Hill said.

Officials described the prospective technology as a dryer that would reduce the water content of biosolids. Hill said current biosolids are roughly 26 percent solids and 74 percent water and that drying would reduce the moisture content substantially. He estimated the dryer could eliminate about 80 hauling truck trips per year from current operations (he said the plant currently requires about 750 truck trips annually) and that current annual biosolids disposal costs are about $3.7 million. Hill said a dryer would likely reduce hauling and tipping costs, though final savings will depend on the design.

Councilors voiced concerns about long‑term capital and operating costs, environmental and health risks, procurement transparency and conflicts of interest. Councilor Nicastro asked why the RFP produced a single proposer's bid and pressed the administration for wider solicitation; Hill said many firms decline projects that carry unknown risks and that CDM Smith has long worked on Brockton’s sewer plant and therefore has local experience.

Several councilors read from or referenced an EPA summary of heat‑drying technology that lists potential disadvantages, including substantial capital and energy needs, dust generation, explosive dust hazards, the need for skilled operators, and nuisance odors. Councilor Farwell and others urged the administration to seek a regional approach and to explore whether nearby communities could share capacity; Hill said previous regional proposals had not matured.

Councilor Nicastro said she had been denied certain related public records under claims of attorney‑client privilege and said that lack of documentation raised concerns. Other councilors warned against moving forward without clearer cost estimates and vendor documentation. Commissioner Hill agreed to provide updated quotes and permitting details as negotiations progress.

After extended discussion, a motion to postpone the matter for two weeks carried on a roll‑call vote (6–1). The committee record shows the item will return for further consideration after the administration supplies additional information requested by councilors.","The committee debated a $2,000,000 EPA grant for design work on a biosolids dryer at the Brockton wastewater plant; councilors raised concerns about costs, health and operational risks, sole RFP respondent CDM Smith, and transparency. A motion to postpone consideration for two weeks passed on a 6–1 vote.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234330,"Committee backs $3 million stormwater appropriation to repair Keith Field culvert",1212,417000,1629000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411551-a35647c723138300accc9df94094df4e&start=417&end=1629","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411551-a35647c723138300accc9df94094df4e/thumbnail_417000.jpg","/articles/6234330/Brockton-City/Plymouth-County/Massachusetts/Committee-backs-3-million-stormwater-appropriation-to-repair-Keith-Field-culvert","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234330-cff602853b3f6154770c963ef7ff6592/orig.mp4?Expires=1775204143&Signature=KsJMMs-bd-a6nLBtrkm6EA8-mFcboNmUnbfwvjkulVU4e0vJY4YsFgzKu-OmcnNlQyf-htMKFthbfzRmMPzTFGpWQxU3yBH1MQOKQC4vygRhXlGazZx1uLhtmeiDwNOsm8p~AajUmpKH9bm0WDPcopsEqOX9kMAnCU3uXA8M1Fe5F8CqUYqX0FUYr2kqMZcm6OP93CqcUTBw8Mv-BKnH9nbAYw3adqEQWksUZG3MW18mHinbTGWWnKUBksxtAG3SB2iOTGmspB34V1I2uyhRUBPQbF5XcqfI-HRXXWeNIFkIAJk8zdETUgEvfYY-BBJMe3KW2z5PmbwC3LK3ExdW6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brockton Finance Committee on Monday recommended favorably an order for the city to appropriate $3,000,000 to fund design and construction of stormwater improvements, including work to repair a failing culvert beneath Eldon B. Keith Field.

The appropriation would be funded by borrowing authorized under G.L. chapter 44, Section 7, and the city treasurer, with the mayor’s approval, may issue bonds or notes and seek qualification from the Commonwealth’s Municipal Finance Oversight Board under G.L. chapter 44A, officials said.

The money is intended to be borne by the Stormwater Enterprise rather than the city’s general fund. CFO Dr. Troy Clarkson told the committee the enterprise expects to generate roughly $800,000 per year under the current billing protocol and can support debt service for the $3 million appropriation.

DPW Commissioner Patrick Hill described the project as a 500‑foot section of box culvert that runs from West Elm Street to where the culvert “daylights” near the Arnold School parking lot and a park at Warren Avenue and Belmont Street. Hill said an engineering inspection showed the culvert’s roof requires structural work and that the department’s consultant and contractors recommended installing a cured‑in‑place structural liner as a no‑dig repair option. Hill said a contractor familiar with the liner technology estimated the baseline installation at $2,400,000 and the department added a customary 25 percent contingency to reach the $3,000,000 authorization.

“Sticking a structural liner through that culvert would be the best approach, the quickest approach,” Hill said, calling it a “no dig option much like the sewer lining” used elsewhere in the city.

Councilors pressed for additional detail. Councilor Nicastro asked for an updated quote after noting the project description bore a February 2024 date; Hill responded he would provide a current quote and design details as permitting and the 3‑D liner design progress. Councilor Farwell sought confirmation that the school system would not be asked to contribute; Dr. Clarkson said the appropriation would be entirely funded through the Stormwater Enterprise and that no school contribution was being requested at this time.

Hill estimated the cured‑in‑place lining would have an expected service life of 50 to 70 years and said the installation for the 500‑foot reach would take about 45 days from start to finish. He and others noted the no‑dig method avoids the traffic disruptions and higher cost of full excavation and replacement.

Committee members discussed fairness and whether outside beneficiaries, such as the Boys & Girls Club or the school system, should contribute when they gain direct benefit from repairs. Hill said he had not negotiated any contribution from outside groups and would follow up with staff who had engaged with the Boys & Girls Club.

A motion to recommend the order favorably passed. The committee record shows the order will proceed to the full city council for final action.","The Finance Committee recommended favorably a $3 million borrowing authorization to pay for design and construction of stormwater improvements, chiefly a no‑dig lining of a 500‑foot culvert under Eldon B. Keith Field, to be paid from the newly formed Stormwater Enterprise.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves $12,000 transfer to cover animal control overtime amid staffing shortages

Committee approves $11,961 grant to buy firefighter turnout gear; PFAS transition noted

Plymouth DA unveils plan for Brockton community court; finance committee backs resolve

Finance committee delays decision on $2 million EPA biosolids design grant after extended debate

Committee backs $3 million stormwater appropriation to repair Keith Field culvert