Fiscal Responsibility

Fiscal Responsibility

• (w/ C. Broderick) Req. City Mgr. explore potential expansion of Lowell Stat Program to analyze public safety, quality of life and economic indicators in the downtown and neighborhood business districts.
• (w/ C. Mendonca) Req. City Mgr. report on potential for consolidation into single work order system for school and municipal facilities.
• Req. Mgr. report on potential for LED streetlight purchase plan in which a portion of savings generated is reinvested to incrementally increase coverage of LED streetlights.
• Req. Mgr. report on estimated property assessment valuations and projected new growth figures.
• Req. Mgr. report on progress toward an updated capital improvement plan.
• Req. Mgr. consider in development of plan for one-time additional local aid the city’s adopted strategic and fiscal management goals for property tax relief, as well as net school spending, minimum reserves, and snow and ice budgeting.
• Req. Mgr. explore participation in Blue Cross Blue Shield Well Power program to achieve cost-savings through improved employees' health.
• Req. Mgr. provide update on availability of paperless packet option and state grant from expedited permitting law to facilitate electronic delivery.
• Req. Mgr. develop proposal for a portion of the Green Communities Grant to fund purchase and distribution of solar trash compactors and recycling kiosks among neighborhood business districts.
• Req. Mgr. report on potential use of New Urban Mechanics approach to improve reporting of municipal issues like potholes, trash and other code violations, etc.
• Req. Mgr. develop a Smarter Cities Grant proposal for LowellStat work with public safety departments on more effective systems to support emergency response and prevention efforts.
• Req. Mgr. report on progress in making procurement decisions consistent with Local & Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy.
• Req. Mgr. report on job performance of TIF agreements and potential policy of reinvestment of new growth due to TIFs into economic development efforts.
• Req. Mgr. report on potential ordinance changes to require private waste haulers operating in the city also provide recycling services at an affordable, flat rate, and to amend the fee schedule for dumpsters in order to eliminate any existing disincentives.
• Req. Mgr. complete an update to the Capital Improvement Plan over the next year, and more fully integrate the plan into a formal process preceding the annual budget sessions.
• Req. Mgr. expand city fleet policy to include section on alternatively-fueled vehicles.
• Req. Mgr. review visible recycling policy to increase diversion of recyclable material from the waste stream.
• Req. Mgr. review and report on the impact of the local meals tax option.
• Req. Mgr. consider inclusion of tax schedules and performance of current TIF agreements in the FY12 budget document.
• Req. Mgr. develop budget hearing process to align with the goals of a GFOA performance-based budget, greater transparency and public participation.
• Req. City Council amend City Council Rule 12 to include electronic communication as an acceptable means of delivery for council materials.
• Req. Mgr. report on plans for greater savings and efficiency in the solid waste and recycling program for the upcoming year.
• Req. Mgr./CFO provide Council with annual report referenced in the city investment policy and analysis of potential percentage preference for local community banks and credit unions.
• Req. Mgr. report on costs/benefits of expanded use of GIS and updated citizen request management systems to improve efficiency and transparency of service delivery.
• Req. Mgr./DPD develop formal guidelines with the City Council on the future use of tax increment financing plans, particularly with respect to living wage and environmental standards.
• Req. Mgr. and Council discuss use of the FY2010 snow and ice deficit assumed in the FY2011 budget.
• Req. Mgr report on focus of the LowellStat Program during FY2011.
• Req. Mgr. report on low impact development practices and potential ordinance changes for the city to formally adopt this less-costly approach.
• Req. Council join other cities and towns in support of an updated Bottle Bill (HB 3515, SB 1480).
• Req. Mgr. review data on cost-effectiveness of yard waste collection during summmer months, and craft a plan accordingly.
• Req. Mgr. conduct municipal water usage audit & complete a conservation plan.
• Req. Mgr. report on current procurement policies with regard to the purchase of local and recycled products.
• Req. Mgr. report on potential of adoption of performance based budgeting.
• Req. Mgr. adopt fuel-efficient city fleet purchasing policy in accordance w/Mass Green Communities Act.
• Req. Mgr./DPD develop maintenance plans for new and renewed public works projects.
• Req. Mgr. report on plans to increase savings in waste management and support recycling programs in condo and multi-family buildings.
• Req. Mgr. report on potential of implementing a variant of CitiStat model in Lowell.
• Req. Mgr. report on plans and progress toward a city-wide Sustainability Plan and MA Green Community status.