Town of Dartmouth, MA
2013 Sustainability Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements & Authorship
2
MESSAGES
Town Administrator addresses Sustainability
3
INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
Key Definitions
Report Highlights
Management Approach
Ethics, Disclosures, and Sustainability Approach
Introduction to Dartmouth, MA
5
6
7
8
8
ORGANIZATIONAL & REPORT PROFILE
Material Aspects & Boundaries
Organizational Profile
Demographics
Structure of Population
Town Administration
Stakeholder Engagement
Governance, Structure & Composition
Town Government Organizational Chart
11
11
12
12
13
14
14
18
ECONOMY
Economic Performance
Tax, Revenues and Government Aid
Industry & Employment
Wages
Support for Local Economy
Financial Implications due to Climate Change
Indirect Economic Impacts
20
20
24
25
26
26
28
ENVIRONMENT
Energy
Materials
Water
Biodiversity
Effluents and Waste
Products and Services
31
36
37
38
40
42
SOCIETY
Operations and Business Practices
Labor Practices
Human Rights
Health and Safety Indicators
Training and Assistance
Employee Performance
Gender and Diversity
Suppliers
Product Responsibility
44
44
45
46
47
48
48
49
49
Cross Reference Table
Sources
50
51
1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & AUTHORSHIP
The authors of this report would like to thank the Town of Dartmouth, MA and all
individuals and offices who helped in the creation of The Town of Dartmouth 2013
Sustainability Report for their support and cooperation, especially Town Administrator
David G. Cressman and Administrative Analyst, Evan Melillo.
This report was researched and authored by students at the University of
Massachusetts Dartmouth, specifically those in The Charlton College of Business, and
the UMass Dartmouth Chapter of Net Impact. The student authors voluntarily undertook
the responsibility of processing this report, determining, with the help of the Town of
Dartmouth Officials, scope and materiality of information, and researching the contained
information both online and with the help of the Town of Dartmouth offices and
employees. This report was completed in January 2014. The authors of this report do
not necessarily express the official views and positions of the employees of the Town of
Dartmouth, or those otherwise associated with the Town of Dartmouth, the employees
or offices at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, or those otherwise associated
with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Brittany L. Doherty, with the help of
Robert C. Muller, both of the Net Impact Chapter of UMass Dartmouth (an
internationally-recognized Gold Chapter of Net Impact; an organization dedicated to
promoting sustainable business and practices) supervised and managed the assembly
of this report, while Professor Adam J. Sulkowski (of UMass Dartmouth, and Adviser to
the UMass Dartmouth Chapter of Net Impact) oversaw the student management of this
report.
This report was guided by the GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Standard. For more
information on GRI, and to look up specific indicators, please visit:
www.globalreporting.org
Please direct all comments, questions and concerns to: NetImpactUMD@gmail.com1
Individuals who contributed to the Authorship of this Report:
Brittany L. Doherty
Melissa Medieros
Stephanie Santiago
Robert C. Muller
David Hickox
Carlos Cardoso
David G. Cressman
Jennifer Frates
Mike O’Reilly
Evan Melillo
Steve Sullivan
Julie Liemert
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Department of Public Policy
2
MESSAGES
Town Administrator David G. Cressman addresses Dartmouth’s approach to
Sustainability2
The Town of Dartmouth realizes that sustainability must be a major focus of its policies,
programs, and services. In 2013, the Town made significant progress in our
sustainability journey. Harnessing solar energy has been a continuous, impactful driver
as Dartmouth is the largest solar community throughout the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts in 2013. We have been working closely with solar companies to one day
offset our total energy costs through renewable forms of energy.
The Town of Dartmouth has also begun our new recycling program, SMART (Save
Money and Reduce Trash), in hopes of making recycling easier for all residents and
business owners, and further improving and protecting the beauty of our Town.
We have been working towards being more financially independent; cash reserves have
more than doubled from 2008 pre-recession totals, and our bond ratings have also risen
in recent years. We have made a point to hire locally whenever possible, further
encouraging our community to work collaboratively towards our goals.
While 2014 will bring many more challenges and surprises, I am pleased to bring you
the Town of Dartmouth, MA 2013 Sustainability Report, highlighting many of our
achievements during the past year.
I look forward to your feedback and to working together to further improve our
community.
Sincerely,
David G. Cressman
For further information, please contact the Dartmouth Town Hall at: (508) 910-1813
3
Introduction to Sustainability Reporting
Why We Report
Our 2012 Sustainability Report was recognized to be one of the first, produced by a
municipality in the USA, to comply, in the highest level of accordance – A-Level – with
the then-current GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) G3.1 Reporting Standard. One of our
goals in the initial report was to enhance involvement regarding the Triple Bottom Line
approach. In order to manage, change and measure performance, the Town of
Dartmouth completed this report, our 2013 Sustainability Report, according to the GRIG4 Standard. A successful report according to the G4 Standard takes into account the
G3.1 Standard, along with the understanding of aspects material to the Town of
Dartmouth. These material aspects contain information of high sustainability-related
value that matter most to our stakeholders. Our goal is to use the G4 Standard as a
guideline that will act as a transformational tool to better our relationship, and grow with
our stakeholders and community.
Why is Sustainability Reporting important?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Communicate to residents, businesses, and other communities what Dartmouth
is doing to be sustainable, environmentally friendly and sensitive;
Encourage business and residential development in the community;
Encourage further municipal, residential, and business sustainable practices and
initiatives;
Demonstrate the benefits of sustainability and the competitive advantage that it
provides;
Encourage further recycling and alternative energy programs;
Boost Dartmouth’s “brand” and image;
Improve and mitigate the impacts of business development and residential
resource usage;
Protect the environment;
Provide an environment for future generations to build upon past sustainable
practices and initiatives;
Work towards creating measurable improvements in Town sustainability, year
over year.
4
Key Definitions
Sustainability/Sustainable Development: Meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs; as defined by
the United Nations. Operating the organization with a focus on environmentally sensitive
practices that will preserve scarce resources and maintain a healthy community now
and in the future.3
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility): Corporate Social Responsibility
encompasses not only what organizations do with their profits, but also how they make
them. It goes beyond philanthropy and compliance and addresses how organizations
manage their economic, social, and environmental impacts, as well as their
relationships in all key spheres of influence: the workplace, the marketplace, the supply
chain, the community, and the public policy realm.
GRI (Global Reporting Initiative): The world’s most widely-used sustainability
reporting standard. GRI was founded in Boston in 1997, and whose roots lie in the US
non-profit organizations the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies
(CERES) and the Tellus Institute. This standard is used by a majority of the Global
Fortune 250 companies, and thousands of organizations across the globe.4
GRI Standard- G4: G4 is GRI’s fourth generation of Sustainability Reporting
Guidelines. New generations of Guidelines are part of GRI’s commitment to the
continuous development and improvement of its framework. G4 takes into account the
material items, items of importance, of the reporting organization.
Sustainability Report: A Sustainability Report is an organizational report focusing
primarily on the Three Pillars of Sustainable Development, as outlined by the General
Assembly of the United Nations (UN), and the impacts these areas have on the
reporting entity and its stakeholders. The Three Pillars of Sustainable Development are
as follows: Economic, Environmental and Societal; and were created so that they are in
alignment with one another as to create balance. The Three Pillars are meant as a
reference and tool to be used as a guiding principle for long-term global development.5
Many companies and organizations use Sustainability Reporting as a means of
transparently communicating indicators, covering these areas, to stakeholders.
Additional sections contained within Sustainability Reports may include Governance,
and Stakeholder Engagement, among others. In recent years, an increasing number of
municipalities are producing Sustainability Reports- Dartmouth was one of the first
municipalities in the U.S. to produce a Sustainability Report to the highest level of GRI
accordance in 2012- and the following report aims to disclose municipal metrics and
indicators comparable to those used in businesses and non-profit organizations’ reports.
5
Report Highlights
Becoming aware of the Town’s changes is important for implementing improvement
goals. Our stakeholders play a major role in these changes and represent the interest
groups whose needs must be satisfied. The expansion of the Town’s solar farms gives
environmental and economic recognition to the Town.
The Town of Dartmouth maintains its leadership in solar power production. On March
29th, 2013 Dartmouth was ranked #2 for the most Solar Community in Massachusetts,
and has since become the #1 Massachusetts Solar Community.6 Borrego Solar
Systems, Inc. is responsible for installing over 20% of the current solar capacity in the
state and is now working with Dartmouth. The installation of a 1.4 megawatt solar
system on the Town’s former landfill is the state’s third solar installation to be
completed on a landfill, and will offset approximately 20% of Dartmouth’s energy
consumption. This will save the community $105,000 annually and $3 million over the
course of 20 years. As of May 2013, the Dartmouth had over 9.2 megawatts worth of
solar panels installed, making Dartmouth the most solar community in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, even more so than larger municipalities like Boston.7
Another economic and social related improvement was the expansion of Wal-Mart,
located at 506 State Road in North Dartmouth. The expansion added approximately
11,000 square feet to the existing store and now allows for a larger selection of
merchandise for customers. New departments include fresh produce, fresh bakery,
meat, seafood, deli, dry grocery, and expanded frozen dairy. The grand-opening
celebration included grants from Wal-Mart to local community groups. In Wal-Mart’s
pledge to fight hunger in America, Wal-Mart locations in Massachusetts also donated
approximately 880,000 pounds of food in fiscal year 2013, or the equivalent of 730,000
meals. Additionally, the expansion provided more employment opportunities, adding 80
new positions.
In 2013, Dartmouth began to operate an automated recycling collection called SMART
(Save Money And Reduce Trash). Automated collection is a technology-advanced
system of recycling, collection, and disposal. This is a system designed to improve the
efficiency of the Sanitation & Recycling Division, make the task of putting out
recyclables easier and cleaner for residents, improve the appearance of the Town, and
greatly reduce the injury potential of Town employees. The new automated system is
safer, more efficient, and requires less labor to collect recyclables. Each resident
participating in the SMART Solid Waste Management Plan is provided two containers,
at no cost: one 65-gallon wheeled recycling cart (black with gray lid) for bottles and
cans, and one 65-gallon wheeled recycling cart (black with black lid) for paper and
cardboard. The new system is the next step in improving recycling services to our
residents.8
6
The Town of Dartmouth is not currently participating as a “Green Community” in the
Green Communities Grant Program; if the Town were to participate, it would have to
comply with the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code. The Stretch Energy Code was
added to the Building code on July 24, 2009 as Appendix 115 AA. It provides a more
energy efficient alternative to the standard energy provisions of the code which a
municipality may choose to adopt. Language contained within the stretch code is
criteria for becoming a ”Green Community.”
Major takeaways within the last year have been established and Dartmouth will continue
to recognize the environmental, economic, and social impacts. “The Town of Dartmouth
realizes that sustainability must be a major focus of its policies, programs, and
services”, David Cressman, December 2013.
Management Approach to Sustainability Reporting
All reported indicators use the latest information made available by the Town of
Dartmouth, MA or by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.9 The Town of Dartmouth
reports as an annual exercise, according to Fiscal Year information.10 The date of the
most recent Town of Dartmouth Sustainability Report was in December of 2012, titled:
The Town of Dartmouth 2012 Sustainability Report.11 The students compiling the
contents of this report relied on the data and information supplied by employees of the
Town of Dartmouth, along with data and information made available through the
websites of the Town of Dartmouth and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.12
The management approach taken by the Town of Dartmouth follows the laws,
regulations and policies established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the
by-laws of the Town of Dartmouth. Goals and Performance, Municipal Responsibility,
Training and Awareness, and Monitoring and Follow-up are established by key
municipal leaders, elected officials, and other top officials employed by the Town of
Dartmouth.13 The Town of Dartmouth works in collaboration with businesses, citizens,
other entities to better these topics.14 The Town Administrator is the highest position
within the hierarchical structure of the Town of Dartmouth that reviews and approves the
annual Sustainability Report.15 Town concerns from residents are communicated via
email, social media, newspaper articles, letters, phone calls, and face-to-face
interaction.16 The number of critical concerns is difficult to effectively track, however the
Town works collectively to quickly and effectively resolve all concerns.17 Beginning in
2012, the Town of Dartmouth hired Executive Pay Consultants that reviewed all pay
policies for the Dartmouth Town Hall. The focus of this review is to try to make all
salaries competitive with the market.18
7
Ethics, Disclosures, and Sustainability Approach
The mission of the Town of Dartmouth is to provide the infrastructure, resources, and
services to support economic, societal, and environmental prosperity of its citizens.19
The Town of Dartmouth evaluates itself on a varied bases including, Standard & Poor’s,
financial service reviews and comparison to other municipalities, independent auditors,
Sustainability Reporting, and through DartSTAT evaluations.20
The Town of Dartmouth has embraced the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) Standards
for use in Sustainability Reporting.21
In order to determine priorities, and the scope and boundary of this report, senior
municipal administrators and students at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
met and were in regular communication, performed extensive research, and consulted
the GRI G4 guidelines.
Report content is defined as the most currently available data from the Town of
Dartmouth, the websites of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the U.S. Federal
Government, and websites containing both news coverage, or language related to a
specific indicator.22
Material Aspects were identified by the Dartmouth Town Administration in coordination
with Net Impact Students at The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.23
Note: There have been no organizational changes, or restatements of any information
relative to the 2012 Town of Dartmouth Sustainability Report.24, 25
Introduction to Dartmouth, Massachusetts26
One of the oldest towns in the entire Commonwealth, Dartmouth was first settled in
1652. Incorporated as a town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1664, the
Town Dartmouth is located in Southeastern Massachusetts, in the County of Bristol.27 It
is bordered by Fall River, and Freetown to the North, New Bedford to the East, Westport
to the West and the Atlantic Ocean to the South.28 Dartmouth is approximately 60 miles
South of Boston and 30 miles East of Providence. The Town is comprised of a land
mass of 64 square miles, making it the fifth largest town in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population is 34,032, while
newer figures are estimates. Dartmouth consists of a scenic coastline that borders
Buzzard's Bay and numerous coastal estuaries, including the Slocum River, Little River,
Apponagansett River, and Clark's Cove. The northern part of Town is a historic rural
environment comprised of scenic forest lands, with residential homes nestled within the
8
area. Dartmouth is also home to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, a four-year
institution with numerous colleges of study, and the University of Massachusetts School
of Law. The commercial district comprises a good cross section of local and nationally
recognized businesses, and serves as a regional shopping area. The Town of
Dartmouth is traversed by Massachusetts State Highway Route 6, and by U.S.
Interstate I-95 to the North.
The Town of Dartmouth has a variety of activities and environments for its residents and
visitors. The coastal environment to the South is bordered by a significant number of
large agricultural farms that have land rolling to the ocean's edge. The coastline has a
number of town and state beaches for public recreation. Significant efforts have been
undertaken to preserve its rural and agricultural character. The northern portion of Town
contains the Town Forest and other significant land holdings. Dartmouth has multiple
Industrial Parks serviced by municipal water, sewer and gas- all at a tax rate that is one
of the lowest in Massachusetts.
The Governance Structure of Dartmouth is held in the Town Charter, and consists of a
Representative Town Meeting with three hundred ninety representatives, elected in 3year staggered terms. The number of registered voters is 22,893, with political affiliation
shown below.29
Democrats
8,455
36.90%
Republicans
2,223
9.70%
111
0.50%
12, 081
52.80%
Other Parties
Unenrolled Voters
Dartmouth’s educational attainment level is in line with the national, with a few
exceptions. According to the US Census, Dartmouth has slightly higher rates for posthigh school education when compared to the national average.30
Educational Attainment
High School Graduate
Associate’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate or Professional Degree
Dartmouth Percentage
26.8%
9.0%
18.0%
11.0%
U.S. Percentage
28.6%
7.6%
17.7%
10.5%
9
ORGANIZATIONAL AND REPORT
PROFILE
Dartmouth Town Hall, 400 Slocum Rd
10
The Organizational and Report Profile section acts to give a general overview of the
Town of Dartmouth. Before the Economic, Environmental, and Social sections are
covered, this reports aims to help readers understand more about the making of this
report, and learn more about the Town of Dartmouth. The information contained in this
and following sections reviews information such as how the report process and priorities
were defined, selection of stakeholders, a list of services the Town provides, general
information about the Town of Dartmouth, and more.
Material Aspects and Boundaries
In order to determine the process and priorities by which this 2013 Town of Dartmouth
Sustainability Report was defined, including, but not limited to the boundary and scope
of any information contained within this report and Material Aspects, or items of material
importance,31,32 Dartmouth Senior Town Administrators, students at the University of
Massachusetts Dartmouth and students from the UMass Dartmouth Chapter of Net
Impact met and were in regular communication, performed extensive research, and
consulted the GRI G4 guidelines.33 While we do not state that this report is in strict
accordance with the GRI G4 standard, this report does contain Standard Disclosures
from the GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.34 Report content is defined as the
most currently available data from the Town of Dartmouth, the websites of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts35 and the U.S. Federal Government,36 and both news
coverage and language elsewhere related to a specific indicator.
Organizational Profile
The Town of Dartmouth is located in southeastern Massachusetts, at 41.61⁰N,
70.98⁰W,37 bordered by Westport to the West, Freetown and Fall River to the North,
Buzzards Bay to the South and New Bedford to the East. Located within the borders of
Dartmouth are five (5) villages: Hixville, Bliss Corner, Padanaram, Smith Mills and
Russells Mills. The physical location of Dartmouth spans a total of 63.95 square miles,
with land amassing 61.82, and water amassing 2.13 square miles, respectively.38 The
population of Dartmouth is 34,023,39 giving Dartmouth a population density of
approximately 532 persons/ square mile.
11
The tables below depict the demographics, and structure of population for the Town of
Dartmouth, using the latest available statistics from Massachusetts and Federal
Government websites.
Demographics
2013 Population (estimated):
Population percent Change (from
2012):
Labor Force (November 2013):
Unemployment Rate (November
2013):
Male:
Female:
Median Age (2010):
Total Households (2010):
Average Household Size:
Average Family Size (2010):
Per Capita Income (2007-2011):
Average Household Income
(2007-2011):
Absolute:
34,02340
Percentage (If Applicable):
-0.1%
17,20941
8.4%42
50.18%43
49.82%44
39.6045
11,54546
2.55 persons47
3.01 persons48
$32,13849
$86,65050
Structure of Population
According to the 2010 U.S. Census51
Population Percentage by Age
Age
%
Under 5 years
5.97
6-11
6.78
12-17
7.75
18-24
14.40
25-34
10.47
35-44
12.86
45-54
15.42
55-64
11.64
65-74
6.93
75-84
5.54
85+ years
2.25
Population by Ethnicity and/or Race
Ethnicity/Race
Population Percentage
White Persons
89.17
Black Persons
1.49
Asian Persons
1.80
American Indian
0.07
Pacific Islander
0.09
Hispanic/Latino
2.57
Other
7.38
12
Town Administration
The Dartmouth Town Hall is located at 400 Slocum Road, North Dartmouth, MA, 02747,
between U.S. Route 6 and Russell Mills Road,52 and is home to the highest authoritative
positions working for the Town. Located in the Town Hall is the Office of the Town
Administrator, where David G. Cressman has held this position since October 4, 2009.
The Town of Dartmouth, as a municipality, by nature, does not manufacture products,
but does provide an array of services, as indicated by the list of Boards, Committees,
Commissions, Councils, and other entities associated with the Town Hall, located on
below:53
Committees and Commissions:
Boards and Councils:
- Agricultural Commission
- Alternative Energy Committee
- By-Laws Review Committee
- Capital Improvement Planning Committee
- Parks, Recreation, and Cemetery Commission
- Charter Review Committee
- Community Preservation Committee
- Conservation Commission
- Finance Committee
- Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse
- Health Insurance Advisory Committee
- Historical Commission
- Industrial Development Commission
- Pathways Committee
- School Building & Renovation Committee
- School Committee
- Sister City Delegation Committee
- Solid Waste Advisory Committee
- Waterways Management Committee
- Youth Commission
- Dartmouth Disability & Accessibility Commission
- Select Board
- Board of Appeals
- Board of Assessors
- Board of Health
- Board of Library Trustees
- Board of Public Works
- Board of Registrars of Voters
- Cultural Council
- Personnel Board
- Soil Conservation Board
- Veterans Advisory Board
Though many businesses located in the Town of Dartmouth are owned and operated by
Dartmouth citizens, these businesses are also owned by citizens of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, serving and benefitting those living not only in Dartmouth,
surrounding towns and cities, and Massachusetts, but also throughout the World.54
13
Stakeholder Engagement
The Town of Dartmouth has identified stakeholders with whom to engage as those who
have citizenship, own a business, live, attend school, or work within the physical
boundary of the Town of Dartmouth.55
Stakeholder groups engaged by the organization:56
- Businesses
- Citizens
- Civil Society
- Customers
- Employees
- Students
- Taxpayers
- Tourists
Governance, Structure & Composition
For specific Town concerns, David Cressman, the Town Administrator, is ultimately
responsible for economic, environmental, and social concerns impacting the Town of
Dartmouth.57
The Town of Dartmouth is governed by a Town Charter, approved by voters in 2000.
The Charter grants legislative powers to a Representative Town Meeting, and holds that
the administration of all fiscal, prudential and municipal affairs shall be vested in an
executive branch headed by a Select Board. At this point, the Charter appears to be
clear in its Division of Powers. However, as the Charter moves into Article 3, the Charter
starts adding Elected Town Offices, such as a School Committee, Board of Assessors,
a Cemetery Commission, a Board of Health, a Board of Library Trustees, a Board of
Park Commissioners, a Planning Board, a Town Clerk, a Town Moderator, and a Town
Agent. Further in the Charter is a requirement for a Department of Budget and
Finance, Department of Town Administrator, and a Department of Public Works which is
managed by a Board of Public Works appointed by the Select Board. Finally, the Town
has numerous other Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Some of these are
created by State Statue, such as the Conservation Commission. Some of these are
created by By-Laws, such as the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Waterways
Commission. Some of these are created by the Select Board, such as the Dartmouth
Disability and Accessibility Committee.58 For additional information, we recommend that
you view the Business Plan for the Town which can be found here:
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_BComm/SelectBoard/business
%20plan.pdf
14
As previously mentioned, there are many boards and committees in the Town. The
roles and responsibilities of several of these groups are outlined in the following
pages:59
Select Board
The Select Board is a made up of five officials elected by Town voters. This Board is
responsible for many of the Town operations and functions, and serves as the primary
group to which many other Town committees, commissions, and departments report.
The members of the Select Board are:
Name
Title
Term
Shawn D. McDonald Chairperson
2016
Michael P. Watson
2015
Vice-Chairperson
William J. Trimble
2014
Lara H. Stone
2015
John George Jr
2016
Town Administrator
The Town Administrator is appointed by the Select Board, is the Chief Administrative
Officer of the Town, and prepares the agenda for the Select Board's weekly meetings.
He/she serves as a liaison to the Select Board, and has some supervisory functions.
The Town Administrator serves as the Select Board's contact person with departments
under their control. He represents the Select Board in relations with elected boards and
officials, state agencies and the public. The current Town Administrator is David G.
Cressman.
Planning Board
The Planning Board offers extensive information about the Town of Dartmouth to its
residents, as well as visitors and businesses wishing to locate in the Town. The
Planning Board is responsible for reviewing and approval of all subdivisions of land, and
approval of parking lots for commercial development. Additionally, the Board sends
reports and recommendations on Board of Appeals petitions, Conservation Commission
15
applications, zoning changes and street acceptances/discontinuances. As part of
interdepartmental cooperation, the Planning Board provides technical assistance and
written recommendations to many Town departments and boards. Additionally, the
Planning Board is charged with planning the future of the Town, through zoning and
comprehensive plans. The members of the Planning Board are:
Name
Title
Term
Joel Avila
Chairman
2017
Joseph E. Toomey, Jr.
Vice-Chairperson
2014
Lorri-Ann Miller
Clerk
2016
Stanley M. Mickelson
2015
John V. Sousa
2018
Board of Health
The Board of Health's mission is to foster a healthy community by working to protect the
community from environmental hazards, to prevent the spread of disease, and to assure
safe water, a safe and healthy food supply, clean air and acceptable housing. The
Board of Health strives to promote and educate for the adoption of healthy behaviors,
and to develop and implement reasonable regulatory guidance to assure these goals.
The members of the Board of Health are:
Name
Title
Term
Thomas W. Hardman
Chairman
2014
Leslie E. J. McKinley
Vice-Chairman
2015
Lynne Brodeur
2016
Youth Commission
The Dartmouth Youth Commission is a youth and family service agency that provides
support, referral, counseling and resources to residents of the Town of Dartmouth. The
Commission began in Dartmouth in 1968 as a collective response to the community for
the growing needs of the Town's youth. The Youth Commission is comprised of nine
residents who set policy and guide the work of its youth advocate, Kevin Lee. The Youth
Commission’s objectives are to meet the needs of Dartmouth’s young people and
families who are:
16
1. At risk from either their own dangerous behavior, or, by the abuse of others
2. To provide assessment, intervention and counseling to children and teens at risk
3. Provide information and referral services to teens, their parents, the public, schools,
police, juvenile court and other appropriate human service providers
The members of the Youth Commission are:
Name
Title
Term
Gale Shultz
Chairperson
2016
Debra Brejcha
2014
Dan Cook
2015
Jamie Jacquart
2016
Rosalyn Glaser-Bernstein
2016
Renee Leite
2016
17
Dartmouth Town Government Organizational Chart60
Chart 1:
Town Voters
Library Trustees
Board of Assessors
Library Director
Town Clerk
Administrator of
Assessing
Park-RecreationCemetery
Commission
Select Board
Board of Health
Planning Board
Public Health
Director
Park-RecreationCemetery
Superintendent
Planning
Director
Chart 2:
Select Board
Youth
Commission
Youth Advocate
Harbor Master
Assistant Harbor
Master
Waterways
Commission
Police Chief
Town
Administrator
Director od
Budget & Finance
Treasurer
Director of
Development
Administrator of
Assessing
Conservation
Committee
Director of
Inspectional
Services
Coordinator of
Enviromental
Affairs
Council On Aging
COA Director
Board of Public
Works
Zoning Board of
Appeals
Principle Clerk
Public Works
Director
Supervisor Water
& Sewer
Town Accountant
Tax Collector
MIS Director
Above is an organizational chart for the Town Of Dartmouth’s elected and appointed officials, as well as those that
are hired on behalf of the Town. This chart does not contain names of those in currently-held positions due to the
nature of the election periods, but rather serves as a referential overview of the governmental hierarchical structure.
As you can see from Chart 2 above, the Select Board holds the highest organizational
bandwidth within the administrative structure of Dartmouth. Although the Town
Administrator is on the same bandwidth as other positions such as the Police Chief
and Harbor Master, the Town Administrator is the highest position held by an individual
in the Town of Dartmouth.
18
ECONOMY
Solar Field unveil at the old town landfill
March 29, 2013
• Supporting the local Economy
• Saving for future programs
19
Economic Performance
Contained in the Economy Section is information relating to Dartmouth’s operating
budget, revenues, tax rates, along with employment figures, wages, benefits, and
financial implications due to climate change. The numbers contained in this section are
taken from a variety of sources and may not be identical to one another, due to various
accounting and other financial methods and procedures. Please note the debt
information contained below is from the last Fiscal Year Budget.
Revenues, Tax, and Government Aid
Below is a consolidation of Dartmouth’s FY2014 operating budget.61
FY2014 Consolidated Operating Budget
General Government
Public Safety
Schools
Public Works
Community Services
Debt Service
Employee Benefits
Grand Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
4,121,209.00
6,262,950.00
39,781,740.00
3,070,442.00
2,798,428.00
4,908,721.00
11,701,752.00
73,494,142.00
In the last few years Dartmouth has been able to significantly improve its Free Cash
Reserves in respect to the budget. According to the Massachusetts Department of
Labor Statistics, Dartmouth’s Free Cash Reserves have gone from under $2 million in
the pre-recession period of 2007 to over $4 million in the 2012 period of recovery.
Starting in 2009 with the hiring of a new Town Administrator, Dartmouth has made Free
Cash Reserves and financial discipline a higher priority. This increased level of attention
to finances can be seen in the Town’s Free Cash Reserves as illustrated through the
table and graph below.62
Annual Free Cash Reserves
Year
Amount ($)
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2,659,263
2,095,840
1,748,012
1,698,902
2,084,260
3,722,573
2,149,762
3,054,508
4,348,132
20
Dartmouth holds high scores with bond rating companies because of its consistent
payments, reliability, and its financial health. Since Standard and Poor’s began rating
the Dartmouth in 2009, it has maintained its high level “AA” score.63
Year
Standard and Poor’s
Bond Rating
2009
2010
2011
2012
AA
AA
AA
AA
Dartmouth’s debt service is an important indicator of the Town’s fiscal health. While at
first glance the higher debt service as a percentage of its budget may seem a case for
worry, it’s not that bad. This is because it is only 4 points from the Massachusetts
average and it is only in comparison with the amount being spent in this particular
budget. The more important indicator is the equalized valuation as a percentage of debt
value. This is the percentage of debt to the Town’s value when averaged over three
years. In effect, this averaging accounts for the year to year fluctuations and gives a
much more trustworthy reading.64
Dartmouth Debt Service
Dartmouth
Massachusetts
Equalized Valuation as a Percentage of Debt
15%
20%
Debt Service as a Percentage of Budget
10.65%
8.85%
Below we see that Dartmouth brought in over $90 million in revenues in FY14, with
most of the revenue stemming from tax levies. Local receipts made up approximately
20% of all revenues for FY14 as well, with State Aid accounting for about 15%, and
finally other available sources of aid totaling 7.25% of all revenues.65
21
Fiscal Year 2014 Revenue by Source
Amount
51,385,031
14,086,831
18,899,901
6,593,881
90,965,645
Revenue
Tax Levy
State Aid
Local Receipts
Other Available
Total
% of Total
56.49
15.49
20.78
7.25
The amount of taxes you pay is determined by the appropriations voted by Dartmouth.
The Town adopts a budget that reflects what services will be provided and the cost to
provide those services. After Town Meeting adopts a budget, the amount of taxes to be
raised is calculated in accordance with Proposition 2-1/2 and divided by the total taxable
valuation of the Town in order to determine the projected single tax rate. The Board of
Selectmen holds a public hearing to determine whether and how much residential tax
will be transferal onto the commercial properties, commonly referred to as the split tax
rate (commercial properties pay a higher tax rate than residential properties). All the
information is forwarded to the Department of Revenue for its review and approval. The
tax rates are then finalized to raise the needed dollars to pay for the services that the
Town voted to approve. Below is the tax classification based on the above information:66
Fiscal Year 2014 Tax Classification
Assessed Values
Tax Levy
3,977,667,874
32,219,805
0
0
602,717,226
9,052,449
74,892,900
1,130,883
131,862,590
1,981,895
4,787,140,590
51,385,032
Tax Classification
Residential
Open Space
Commercial
Industrial
Personal Property
Total
Tax Rate
9.86
0
15.10
15.10
15.03
---
The Cherry Sheet is the official notification by the Commissioner of Revenue to
municipalities and school districts of estimated state aid to be paid and charges to be
assessed over the next fiscal year. As the state budget process unfolds updated local
aid proposals are posted. Cherry Sheets are issued once the state budget is enacted by
the Legislature and approved by the Governor.67
Fiscal Year 2013 Estimated Cherry Sheet Aid
Education Aid
General Government
Total Receipts
Total Assessments
Net State Aid
9,168,141
3,029,918
12,198,059
845,202
11,352,857
22
Several grants have been received from the Federal Government for projects such as
Salt Marsh Restoration, Land Acquisition for conservation purposes, Public Safety,
Improved Technological Advances for Public Education, and Community and
Infrastructure Development. The Town of Dartmouth, on a formulaic basis, receives
annual aid from the State; the amounts received within the past five years are depicted
below.68
Aid from State Government
12,000,000
11,800,000
11,600,000
11,400,000
11,200,000
11,000,000
10,800,000
10,600,000
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
23
Industry and Employment
Dartmouth is home to a variety of different employers from both the private and public
sectors. According to Massachusetts’ Department of Labor and Workforce
Development, the Town has 995 major establishments employing 15,857 citizens. The
vast majority of those residents are employed in retail, educational services, food
services, and health care.69
Industry
2013 Employment by Industry
Establishments Total
Constructing
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Information
Finance and Insurance
Real Estate, and Rental and Leasing
Professional and Technical Services
Administrative and Waste Services
Educational Services
Health and Social Services
Arts, Entertainment, Accommodation
and Food Services, etc.
Accommodation and Food Services
Other Services
Public Administration
110
23
26
198
8
9
26
27
61
50
14
122
491
870
470
3,937
218
94
191
91
304
504
2,025
3,136
Percentage of Total
Workforce (%)
3.1
5.5
3.0
24.8
1.3
0.6
1.2
.6
1.9
3.2
12.8
19.8
17
321
2.0
85
208
11
1,853
663
689
11.7
4.2
4.3
Retail Trade is, by far, Dartmouth’s largest industry, while employing 3,937 individuals,
nearly a quarter (24.8%) of the local employees. The second largest industry is Health
and Social services, employing 3,136, totaling 19.8% of the workforce in Dartmouth. In
contrast with the Retail Trade, and Health and Social Services industries is the
Information industry, employing only 94 and making up less than 1% of the entire
workforce, at 0.6%.
24
The table below depicts the latest 13-month unemployment data taken from the “Labor
Market Information” charts found on www.ma.gov.70
Month
Year
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2012
2012
Labor
Force
17,209
17,024
16,983
17,150
17,283
17,254
17,102
16,971
17,000
17,108
17,194
17,199
17,207
Employed
15,768
15,606
15,587
15,756
15,807
15,729
15,748
15,703
15,604
15,537
15,486
15,798
15,905
Unemployed Area
Rate
1,441
8.4
1,418
8.3
1,396
8.2
1,394
8.1
1,476
8.5
1,525
8.8
1,354
7.9
1,268
7.5
1,396
8.2
1,571
9.2
1,708
9.9
1,401
8.1
1,302
7.6
Massachusetts
Rate
6.6
6.8
6.9
6.9
7.2
7.4
6.7
6.3
6.8
6.8
7.4
6.6
6.2
Unemployment, undertrained workers, increased natural disasters, and changing
weather patterns all have an impact on the economic stability of the Town of Dartmouth
Seen in the chart above, the unemployment in Dartmouth is higher, though in some
months not significantly, than the Massachusetts rate. This rate should be noted,
however, as being significantly lower than neighboring cities and towns, as some of
which currently exceed 10% unemployment. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics, Dartmouth’s unemployment rate in August 2013 is 8.1%, significantly
lower than the 9.6% in Bristol County and surrounding municipalities. As of November
2013, the national unemployment rate is 7.0% and the Massachusetts unemployment
rate is 6.6%.71 You may also notice that January and February had a significantly higher
unemployment rate than those of the rest of the year. This may be typical, as some
industries and jobs are seasonal, and do not require work during the Winter months.72
Wages
Dartmouth’s Town Government’s workforce is not compensated based on wages
subject to minimum wage rules.
Along with wages, salaries of various Town positions, including professional and nonprofessional staff can be found in the Town Budget. Contained on the next page is a
sampling of professional salaries from FY2014: 73
• Town Accountant: $81,388
• Director of Budget and Finance: $109,833
25
• Town Clerk: $69,033
• Planning Director: $84,512
• Public Health Director: $88,738
• Library Director: $79,207
Along with these positions, Dartmouth provides wages for entry level positions well
beyond what is the required minimum wage by both State and Federal laws. For
example, Dartmouth pays an entry-level clerk $14.41 per hour,74 higher than even some
neighboring municipalities.
Support for Local Economy
According to the Town of Dartmouth’s Personnel By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations,
“vacancies occurring in non-civil service positions above the entry level shall, whenever
possible, be filled by the promotion of a qualified employee within the Town service.
However, the appointing authority may recruit applicants from outside the Town service
whenever he/she has reason to believe that better qualified applicants are available
from within the Town service.” However, civil service jobs such as police officers and
emergency staff do show a hiring preference for those within close proximity to the
areas in which they serve.
As of 2013, there are a total of 26 senior managers, 14 of which live in Dartmouth; 12
managers do not live in Dartmouth. The Town of Dartmouth’s geographical definition of
“local” is “in the Town.”75
Financial Implications due to Climate Change
Last May, Dartmouth was recognized for producing the largest amount of solar power in
Massachusetts.76 The Town of Dartmouth has pursued alternative energy opportunities
including, but not limited to, solar power and wind turbines. The Con Ed solar farm,
located in the New England Industrial Park, was one of the largest solar farms in the
New England area. Several contracts have been signed with companies providing solar
power for electrical use as a cost reduction measure adopted by the Town. The Town
continues to work on projects that would classify Dartmouth as a “Green Community”.
In May 2013, the SouthCoast community had 9.28 megawatts of solar power production
installed around the Town.77 According to last May’s count by state energy and
environmental officials, Dartmouth became the state’s leader in solar power production,
putting it ahead of much larger municipalities such as Boston. Town Administrator,
David Cressman said the future of Dartmouth is to produce enough solar power to offset
100% of conventional energy production in order to order to offset conventional energy
costs with net metering credits.
26
In FY2013, the Dartmouth started to operate the solar production on the Town landfill by
working with Borrego Solar Systems. Operating since February 21st, the project has
generated 783 megawatts of power, according to the count online.78 Not only has this
initiative reduced negative environmental impacts, but the introduction of the High Hill
Road Solar Farm has increased opportunities to tackle more demanding climate change
challenges in the future.
Several projects, currently under development by the Department of Public Works, will
assist in decreasing effects recently caused as a result of climate change.
Improvements to several interchange and roadways are underway to provide
pedestrians with safe access and walkways to residential, business and community
areas, with plans for similar additional projects in the near future. The Pathways
Committee, in conjunction with DPW, also added bicycle lanes on Old Westport Road
within the last year.
The Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) recycling and waste disposal program was
implemented in FY2013 with some additional improvements currently being taken into
consideration. These considerations pertain to the increasingly successful program, as
the Water and Sewer Division of the Public Works Department is planning expansions
of current facilities to quickly meet growth demand, as well as improve the Water
Pollution Control Facility and sewage pump stations. These projects will aid in cost
reductions as well as improved safety and sustainability for Dartmouth’s residents, their
communities, and environments.79
During the past year, the Department of Public Works purchased Solar B, a solar water
turbine that helps control TTHM’s (Trihalomethanes) in the Town’s water. TTHM’s are
cancer-causing organic compounds caused by disinfected by-products of the
chlorination of drinking water. The Solar B water tank stirs the water from the power of
the sun which reduces the stillness of water compounds that enhance TTHM’s. The
latest test results for TTHM and HAA5 show that Dartmouth is in full compliance with
the Stage 2 Disinfection By-Product Rule (DBPR).80
27
The chart below displays the revenue received for sewer, water and solid waste
services provided to the residents of Dartmouth over the previous 4 years.81
5,000,000
4,500,000
4,000,000
3,500,000
3,000,000
Sewer
2,500,000
Water
2,000,000
Solid Waste
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
0
2009
2010
2011
2012
Indirect Economic Impacts82
The involvement of local individuals, corporations, and organizations make additional
improvements to the Town possible through hours of service, monetary donations and
partnerships. Some of these projects include the restoration of several salt marshes, the
addition of 141 acres of land for open space and conservation, the sustainability of
public educational facilities, such as The Lloyd Center for the Environment, and many
charitable and non-profit agencies such as shelters for homeless animals, as well as
food pantries, and community organizations that provide sports programs, educational,
and community festivals and events.83
Additionally, Dartmouth has the benefitted from the existence of the Dartmouth Natural
Resources Trust. DNRT is a non-profit organization committed “to preserv[ing] and
protect[ing] Dartmouth’s natural resources for people and nature forever.” DNRT owns
over 1,500 acres in 53 Open Space Reserves, and stewards 40 conservation
restrictions on another 1,100 acres. Combined with the work DNRT has done in
partnership with other conservation organizations, state agencies and the Town of
Dartmouth, DNRT has worked to protect nearly 5,000 acres in Dartmouth since its’
founding in 1971, making DNRT one of the most successful land trusts in
Massachusetts.84
28
Furthermore, The Massachusetts Audubon Society owns an ecologically significant
104-acre property in Dartmouth, protecting one of the few pristine coastal salt ponds
remaining in Southern New England. The land provides 1,500 feet of frontage on Allen’s
Pond, and is part of Mass Audubon’s Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a number
of rare plants and hundreds of species of birds, such as ospreys, peregrine falcons,
least terns, bald eagles, short-eared owls, and piping plovers. Due to the property in
Dartmouth, Mass Audubon has a contiguous block of 1,000 acres of protected habitats
along the shore of Buzzards Bay, including salt marsh, coastal oak woodlands, heath
and grasslands.85
For FY2014, substantial funds have been allocated to the Dartmouth Natural Resources
Trust for the acquisition and preservation of approximately 60.81 acres on the North
Hixville Road, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Community
Preservation Committee Grand Agreement. Also, Partners in Housing, Inc. is planning
for the development of affordable housing for veterans, at 272 State Road. Funds are
allocated from the Community Preservation Fund Housing Reserve and the Community
Preservation Fund Unrestricted Reserve. The Dartmouth Historic Commission is
planning for the development and submission of a National Register nomination for the
Russell Garrison historic site, at 1 Fort Street.86
29
ENVIRONMENT
Mishaum Point, Dartmouth, MA
• Promoting Renewable Energy
• Preserving Natural Resources
30
The Environment section covers topics of material importance with impact to, from, and
by the local environment. Topics covered in the Environment section are as follows:
Energy, Water, Biodiversity, Emissions, Effluents and Waste, Transport, and
Compliance.
Energy
Over the past several years, there has been increasing pressure, for both private and
public organizations, to reduce the carbon footprint- to use less conventional forms of
energy and invest in renewable energy sources- and work towards becoming carbon
neutral. There is also building pressure within organizations to do drive down costs.
While Dartmouth, as detailed earlier in this report, has been a state-leader in
implementing the use of renewable energy technologies, they have also been able to
reduce their costs for non-renewable energy.
The Town of Dartmouth relies on four main sources of energy: electric, oil, natural gas,
and gasoline diesel. The Town has several solar fields, which are in various stages of
development and operation:
Borrego Solar Field at the Town Landfill87
The Solar Farm at the Town Landfill has been operating since February 21, 2013; the
project has generated 783 megawatts of power, according to the count online.
Borrego Solar Field at High Hill Road88
The High Hill Borrego Solar Farm has been operating for the past year and occupies the
space of a19-acre farm
Solar Field off Old Fall River Road89
The Old Fall River Road Solar Farm is operational and owned/managed by Con Edison
of New York. This solar farm has 9,000 solar panels, sits on 17 acres and is capable of
a maximum output of 2.5 megawatts.
New Bedford Industrial Park Solar Field90
Con Edison is operating/managing a solar farm on the Dartmouth side of the New
Bedford Industrial Park. This solar farm has 8,000 solar panels, sits on 9.5 acres and
can power up to 2,000 homes.
Reed Road Solar Field91
Borrego is operating/managing this solar farm on Reed Road; with 6,900 solar panels, it
sits on 5 acres has a maximum output of 1.4 megawatts, and can power up to 1,400
homes.
31
UMass Dartmouth Wind Turbine92
UMass Dartmouth, located at 285 Old Westport Rd, has undergone the implementation
of a wind turbine on its campus. The Wind turbine can be located on the far end of Ring,
the road surrounding UMass’ educational buildings. This turbine, installed by Elecon as
a 600 kW system, has been undergoing operational testing since the Fall of 2013, and
is projected to save 730,500 kWh annually.
Energy Park Solar Field (under-construction)93
EMI Dartmouth Solar, LLC is currently constructing solar farms on several pieces of
property at the Energy Park. The maximum output of this project is estimated to be 7.9
megawatts of electricity.
No Fossil Fuels at Fisher Rd. (under-construction)94
A 21,000-panel solar farm that would be one of the state’s largest is being constructed
on a 35-acre site off Fisher Road. No Fossil Fuel Dartmouth Solar, LLC has constructed
the six-megawatt facility on a former sand and gravel pit. This project will power about
6,000 homes.
The image above shows a portion of the Borrego Solar System at the Dartmouth Landfill.
http://borregosolar.com/solar-projects/landfills-and-brownfields/dartmouth-landfill/
In total, Dartmouth currently has 5
operational solar farms with 2 additional in
construction. It is estimated that once all
these projects are complete that Dartmouth
would be the greatest solar energy
producing- town in the Commonwealth. In
March of 2013, Dartmouth was ranked the
top municipality in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts with respect to amount of
32
installed solar capacity, as seen in the adjacent graph; with more capacity than even
larger cities such as Boston.95
The graph below represents the Dartmouth Town Hall Administration Building usage
and costs for renewable resources during the past 4 years. Libraries, schools, and
public safety data are all excluded.96
Dartmouth Town Hall Gas Use
20,000
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
Use
Cost
2010
2011
2012
2013
NOTE: The figures contained in the graph above are based on NSTAR estimates.
As you will see in the graph below, Dartmouth’s electricity expenditures have remained
nearly constant over the past 4 years. While the amount of energy used fluctuates
anywhere from 325,000-375,000 kWh, the absolute price has remained nearly
identical.97 Over the past three years, there has also been a steady reduction in the
amount of electricity used for Town Hall purposes.
Dartmouth Town Hall
Electricity Use
400,000
350,000
300,000
FY2010
362,601
FY2011
373,801
FY2012
356,801
FY2013
321,801
250,000
200,000
Use
150,000
Cost
100,000
50,000
0
2010
2011
2012
2013
33
The Town has taken several steps to conserve energy and make their processes more
efficient. Dartmouth holds a contract through which the Dartmouth will buy the power
and re-sell unused power back to the grid. Dartmouth has begun a campaign - at the
Town Hall, Senior Center, DPW, and Library - to install new HVAC systems, energy
efficient lighting fixtures, and energy efficient pumps. The Town Hall has also installed
new duct work for HVAC and new thermostat sensors that turn off in an empty room,
with two more on the way. Dartmouth has also begun using hybrid vehicles, and
currently has 5 in use for employee travel during working hours.98
Shown in the above chart, Dartmouth’s Town Hall has become 33% more efficient
during the last 5 years- another example of Dartmouth’s commitment to sustainability.99
Another source of Dartmouth’s energy has been Natural Gas (CNG). As seen in the
chart below, while the Town has increased its gas usage, costs have significantly
decreased. It should be noted that the largest user of municipal natural gas is, by far,
Dartmouth Middle School, using an average of 100,573 Therms annually, more than
triple that of the next largest user. In contrast, the George H. Potter Elementary School
uses an average of 730.5 Therms for the last 4 years. Dartmouth has used, on average,
annual amounts of 244,443 Therms, while average spending amounted to $128,428.
These figures breakdown further and allow us to take a look at Dartmouth’s average
cost per Therm; costing approximately $0.525.
Please refer to the next page for a more complete breakdown of Dartmouth’s annual
gas usage and expenditure.
34
Dartmouth’s Annual Gas Usages and Expenditures100
FY2010
FY2011
FY2012
FY 2013
Facility
Department
Use
Cost
Use
Cost
Use
Cost
Use
Cost
Allen St. Garage
Allen St. Office
Andrew B.
Cushman
Council on Aging
Center
Dartmouth HS
Dartmouth MS
DCTV
George H. Potter
ES
James M. Quinn
ES
Joseph DeMello
ES
North Dartmouth
Library
Police Station
Southworth
Town Hall
Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Water
Water
4,994
1,829
$5,149
$2,016
6,002
2,023
$6,637
$2,354
4,156
1,522
$3,567
$1,356
4,495
1,897
$1,736
$839
School
11,965
$12,629
13,908
$15,338
11,993
$11,618
16,778
$15,379
Council on
Aging
School
School
Other
6,146
$6,346
6,647
$7,316
4,420
$3,550
6,472
$2,398
7,288
105,435
2,288
$5,901
$27,426
$2,572
8,258
114,021
1,928
$7,404
$32,699
$2,329
8,417
87,987
1,244
$7,512
$25,876
$1,252
10,307
94,848
1,657
$8,581
$30,532
$761
School
1,196
$1,393
457
$555
822
$452
447
$343
School
2,780
$2,282
4,828
$4,032
57,925
$28,256
69,146
$22,535
School
3,066
$2,776
38,069
$25,105
32,719
$10,058
36,813
$12,123
Library
1,514
$1,704
2,011
$2,397
1,553
$1,478
1,675
$760
Police
Library
Town
6,237
8,788
13,391
$6,403
$9,145
$16,867
6,385
10,118
16,556
$6,989
$11,319
$17,590
8,089
6,115
11,980
$6,560
$5,280
$9,885
7,678
7,066
16,889
$2,812
$2,646
$5,563
DPW
12,091
$12,420
13,612
$15,234
13,739
$11,615
15,291
$6,060
Total:
189,008
$115,029
244,823
$157,298
252,681
$128,315
291,259
$113,068
As well as gas, electricity has been an invaluable source of conventional energy for
Dartmouth. As seen on the next page, using these numbers, Dartmouth annually uses
on average, more than 6.945 Million kWh, while also spending on average $476,083.
These amounts tell us that the Town spends, on average, $0.0685 per kWh. In contrast
to gas consumption, the Wastewater Treatment annually uses the most electricity, more
than 2.7 Million kWh.
Surprisingly, Dartmouth Middle School and Dartmouth High School use vastly different
amounts of gas and electricity as their primary source of energy. While Dartmouth
Middle School uses significantly more gas, Dartmouth High School uses significantly
more electricity as their primary energy source.
35
Dartmouth’s Annual Electricity Usages and Expenditures101
FY2010
Facility
Allen St. Garage
Allen St. Office
Andrew B.
Cushman
Council on Aging
Center
Dartmouth HS
Dartmouth MS
George H. Potter
ES
Gulf Rd.
Bathhouse
James M. Quinn
ES
Joseph Demello
ES
North Dartmouth
Library
Old Smith Neck
Rd.
Park
Office/Garage
Police Station
School
Administration
Southworth
Town Hall
Wastewater
Treatment Plant
FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
Department
Water
Water
Use
Cost
Use
Cost
Use
Cost
Use
Cost
16,043
13,810
$2,844
$2,469
15,733
13,569
$1,829
$1,705
17,480
12,317
$1,591
$1,144
18,938
13,456
$1,859
$1,316
School
16,492
$3,021
73,302
$7,641
75,151
$6,473
76,579
$7,198
Council on
Aging
School
School
78,066
$13,414
88,784
$10,447
87,248
$7,938
89,544
$8,365
1,853,464
642,962
$118,286
$44,333
1,885,648
635,658
$137,392
$45,112
1,912,904
633,037
$144,621
$46,683
1,856,848
594,960
$156,543
$49,127
School
214,778
$15,105
215,741
$16,210
213,722
$17,107
207,423
$18,138
Parks
15,832
$3,142
15,364
$2,609
12,793
$1,540
9,233
$1,193
School
410,720
$28,263
431,712
$31,393
447,696
$34,967
454,240
$38,825
School
254,840
$17,047
238,880
$17,362
239,040
$18,112
223,440
$18,824
Library
9,358
$1,745
15,278
$2,017
11,547
$1,114
12,355
$1,266
Park
7,635
$1,485
6,412
$852
7,518
$725
7,024
$720
Park
3,793
$723
2,894
$358
958
$150
2,082
$270
Police
288,397
$17,927
302,791
$19,779
326,348
$22,762
313,660
$23,678
School
64,792
$10,886
81,839
$9,418
75,880
$6,074
80,208
$6,838
Library
Town
186,384
362,601
$13,069
$25,155
138,304
373,801
$10,908
$26,669
185,984
356,801
$14,156
$26,665
192,144
321,801
$15,682
$26,387
DPW
2,770,110
$136,406
2,751,070
$143,720
2,773,260
$156,379
2,687,300
$171,083
Total:
6,854,277
$431,299
6,919,780
$459,523
7,039,684
$482,188
6,846,235
$521,613
Materials
On top of the commitment to offsetting energy costs and usages by implementing the
use of renewable energy, Dartmouth is also committed to recycling. Dartmouth collected
a total of 548.85 tons of recycled materials, and 2,450 gallons of waste oil in 2013,
broken down as follows:102
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mixed Paper/ Newspaper: 43.63 Tons
Cardboard: 80.43 tons
Metals/ Glass: 88.57 tons
Clothing: 4.99 tons
Mattresses: 14.12 Tons
Tires: 12.31 tons
•
•
•
•
•
•
TV/ Monitors: 21.48 tons
Batteries: 0.14 tons
Freon Appliances: 9.12 tons
Propane Tanks: 1.02 tons
Plastic: 11.51 tons
C & D: 260.86 tons
36
Water
The only “product” the Town produces, per se, and sells is water. Dartmouth has set a
goal of meeting retrofitting standards by 2016 for the conservation of toilet and sink
use, and is currently working to meet those standards; Massachusetts has mandated
that all municipal buildings need to be retrofitted to a higher efficiency standard by 2016.
Of the 24 Town-owned buildings, there are currently 9 buildings with completed retrofits,
4 are currently in progress, and 1 building is closed and will not need renovation.103
Below depicts a chart of the ground water withdrawn from 2009-2013. Reporting
standards are measured in gallons by metering.104
Water Usage (Gallons)
980,000,000
960,000,000
940,000,000
920,000,000
900,000,000
880,000,000
860,000,000
840,000,000
820,000,000
800,000,000
780,000,000
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Note: December 2013 is estimated.
The major water source in Dartmouth affected by the withdrawal of water is the
Paskamanset River. The Paskamanset runs through Dartmouth, and according to state
mandate regarding water pumping, when a water source’s depth falls below a specified
amount, water is no longer allowed to be pumped from adjacent wells until the water
level again increases to an acceptable level.
37
Total number of sources by type:105
• 14 Wells- 13 Active and 1 Inactive
• 4 Wells affected by restriction, wells
E-1, E-2, F-1 and F-2
• River restriction, June 1 to
September 15
• If Paskamanset River flow falls to 5.0
CFS or below, these 4 wells have to
be shut off until flow is better than
5.0, CFS is returned
Protected by State and local law:106
• All wells are protected by a Zone I,
which is Town-owned 400’ Radius
• All wells are protected by a Zone II,
which determines how far the
drawdown will be if a drought
exceeds180 Days
Size of Water Source:107
• 14 wells each with a Town-owned protective radius of 400 feet, which sums to
550,000 square feet total, or 0.02 square miles of protected areas.
Dartmouth follows the rules and regulations levied upon them from the Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection.
Biodiversity
Dartmouth owns and protects approximately 2,300 acres of land considered to be of
high biodiversity value.108
In order to protect and
restore lands, work on
projects such as the salt
marsh projects, and create
more biodiversity-valued
lands, the Conservation
Commission is given an
annual budget, as shown
here:109
Conservation Commission Annual
Budget
140000
120000
100000
80000
60000
40000
20000
0
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
38
The Conservation Commission is one of the entities taking care of, and watching over,
the local lands of biodiversity value. The commission is made up of, and overseen by, a
seven-member committee. The commission applies the Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act and the Dartmouth Wetlands Protection By-Law. Their enforcement
power covers large areas adjoining salt and fresh water bodies and protects wetlands
surrounding areas such as: beaches, lakes, marshes, ponds, rivers, streams and tidal
flats. In 2013, the Town participated in, at a technical review level, environmental
restoration (salt marsh) projects that have reduced invasive species. The increase of
native species and the reduction of invasive species will occur following the completion
of the salt marsh projects. Approximately 85 acres of restoration projects occurred in
Dartmouth in 2013. The goal of the salt marsh restoration projects are to increase
salinity levels in coastal estuaries for the purpose of reintroducing native salt marsh
species.110
In Dartmouth, there is a citizen’s action group, a separate entity from the Town
government, called the Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust (DNRT). The DNRT owns
almost 1,500 acres and has placed the land within a trust for protection against future
development. This acreage includes:111
• 19 acres of saltwater marshland known as the Grosswendt Reserve
• 350 acres at the Little River Reserve
• 55 acres on the banks of the Slocum River
• 112 acres along the Shingle Island River
• 52 acres that border the 13,000 acre Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve.
DNRT also spent $8 million to acquire the Destruction Brook Woods, which includes the
Slocum River and encompasses 1,053 acres.112
There are a number of threatened species inhabiting the physical location within the
borders of the Town of Dartmouth, these species include:113
• Marbled Salamander
• Diamond- Backed Terrapin
• Long's Bulrush
• Piping Plover
• Chain Fern Borer Moth
• Long-Leaved Panic-Grass
The Town created Dartmouth Pathways Committee to improve bicycle and pedestrian
infrastructure through advocacy and education, while supporting coordinated regional
efforts to link existing and future pathways throughout the Southcoast. These efforts, in
turn, will improve recreational opportunities and fostering a healthier community for
residents and visitors alike. A few bike paths have already been established, and there
39
is an initiative underway to finance a regional bike path linking Providence to
Provincetown.114
Effluents and Waste
The Town wastewater is sent at the Treatment Plant and discharged into Buzzards Bay.
In 2013, 1.076 billion gallons were cleaned and pumped to Salter’s Point in Buzzard’s
Bay, Massachusetts. The quality of the water is compliant with federal and state
regulations, and is not reused by any other organizations. Monthly reports are
produced, in gallons, by flow meters.115
Also, the Dartmouth Water Pollution Control Facility uses an in-vessel aerated, high
temperature composting process to stabilize the dewatered bio-solids produced at the
plant. These bio-solids contain on average 20-22 percent solids, and are mixed with
amendment (wood mulch) on a volumetric ratio of 1 part bio-solids to 2 parts
amendment. This amendment is also produced at the facility in the brush grinding
operation. The facility accepts brush from residents and private contractors and uses a
Tub Grinder to grinding purposes, followed by screening in a Trommel. The composting
process has a duration of approximately 20 days to provide aerobic decomposition,
stabilization, and disinfection of the bio-solids. After a minimum curing period of 30
days, the finished compost is sold by Agresource to the clients. As of the last contract,
revenue sharing is 60% for the Sewer Enterprise Fund and 40% for Agresource.116
The Department of Public Works has initiated landfill and recycling programs. At the
start of the summer in 2012, the Town implemented the program called SMART (Save
Money And Reduce Trash). The automated
trucks are equipped with a mechanical-robotic
arm that automatically lifts and empties
special recycling containers without the driver
ever leaving the cab of the truck. This system
is designed to improve the efficiency of the
Sanitation & Recycling Division, provide a
safer work environment for drivers, make the
task of putting out recyclables easier and
cleaner for residents, improve the appearance
of the Town and greatly reduce the injury
potential of Town employees.
40
Each residence participating in the SMART Solid Waste Management Plan is provided
with two containers: one 65-gallon wheeled recycling cart for bottles and cans, and one
65-gallon wheeled recycling cart for paper and cardboard. The population of the Town is
34,032 residents and there are 11,473 households of which 10,165 of those
households participate (89%) in our trash and curbside pick-ups.117
Solid Waste Tonnage for the Past Eight Fiscal Years118
Solid Waste Tonnage
12000
10000
8000
6000
Amount Collected (Tons)
4000
2000
0
FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Recycling Tonnage for the Past Eight Fiscal Years119
Recycling Tonnage
3000
2500
2000
1500
Amount Collected (Tons)
1000
500
0
FY FY FY FY FY FY FY
FY
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
41
In order to keep waste from spilling into the aquafur, Dartmouth has passed a by-law
stating that all wells are protected by what is called Zone 1 and Zone 2, which state,
respectively, that all wells that are Town-owned are protected by a 400’ radius, and
determines the drawdown depth if a drought were to occur. Dartmouth has also
designated lands to the Conservation Commission.120
Products and Services
To mitigate the environmental impacts of products and services, Dartmouth has enacted
the “pay as you throw” program, which charges residents to throw away trash in an
effort to reduce trash in the landfill and increase recycling efforts in the Town.
Dartmouth has also made some solar initiatives by allowing for the development of solar
fields throughout Town.121
42
SOCIETY
th
Photo by Robert Barboza, on July 18 2012. One of Dartmouth’s new SMART automated recycling
trucks equipped with mechanical arms to pick up roadside recycling.
• Working to better all communities
• Developing the local workforce
43
The Society section contains information on workforce employed directly by the Town,
indicators such as injury rate, lost days, bargaining agreements, training hours,
educational programs with respect to Town employees and those directly affected within
the local community.
Operations and Business Practices
Dartmouth is committed to understanding the needs of its stakeholders, and in this
effort, better their relationship. According to the Town Administrator, Dartmouth has
made a point to insert Local community engagement, impact assessments, and
development programs into all municipal operations.122 Dartmouth has recently
undertaken in a project to install new L.E.D. (Light-Emitting Diodes) lights into street
lights, where traditional incandescent bulbs were installed before. Before the switch to
L.E.D. lights, there were many complaints about the old bulbs inconsistently working
and burning out. In some cases, bulbs would not be changed for weeks or even months
at a time; however the new L.E.D. lights can last up to 10 years and will greatly reduce
the need to replace bulbs.123 By installing new lights, Dartmouth is helping to make its
street safer for drivers and pedestrians alike. This switch to L.E.D. lights is planned to
be completed by the end of 2013 and is expected to save the Town 418,569 kwh, a
savings of $.10288 per kWh.124
In working to provide a safe place to live and work, there have been no confirmed
incidents of corruption in the Town Government during this reporting period.125 There
has also been zero (0) monetary, financial, in-kind, or other contributions either directly
or indirectly made to any political party or representative, recipient or beneficiary.126
Finally, no legal actions have been taken in response to anti-competitive behavior, and
no significant fines, sanctions or grievances have been pressed against Dartmouth for
non-compliance with laws and/or regulations.127,128,129
Town Employees
Labor Practices
Dartmouth employed a total of 955
employees during the last fiscal
year; All types of employees were
taken into consideration when
calculating this number (full-time,
part-time, temporary/seasonal, and
contractor). In 2013, 60 new
employees were hired, of which
36% are female and 63% are male.
960
950
940
930
920
910
900
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
44
However, 47 of these 60 employees are currently inactive (38% are female and 62%
are male).130
Dartmouth offers Town employees a comprehensive set of benefits similar with offers
from other municipalities. At a minimum, these benefits include: Life insurance through
Boston Mutual Insurance, Health Care assistance through Blue Cross Blue Shield
Insurance, Parental leave covered by FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act), and
Retirement Provision through the Bristol County Retirement Board.131
As is the hope of every employer to give its employees substantial notice before the
implementation of any significant operational change, the Town of Dartmouth, too, aims
to give municipal employees 2-4 weeks’ notice. In certain situations, however, giving
this amount of notice is not practical, as some changes must be made immediately due
to the environment. Dartmouth realizes this and has made a point to quickly adapt to
any operational changes as to not disrupt its residents and stakeholders.
This notice differs in collective bargaining agreements, during which notice periods
occur several months prior to the formalization and signatory of the contract. This notice
allows for consultants and attorneys to validate all language contained in the contract.132
The Town of Dartmouth has, and will continue to, abide by all state and federal laws
and regulations with respect to the use of child, forced or compulsory labor.133 The
standard law used by Massachusetts is Massachusetts General Law c.149 s.33B, c.149
s.56-105, and Federal Laws 29 USC 212 and 29 CFR Part 541. At no time, and under
no circumstance, does the Town of Dartmouth in any way, and by any means, use
children, forced or compulsory labor in their operations. This extends to the businesses
located within Dartmouth’s borders; if at any time Dartmouth uncovers the use of such
labor practices, the business using these means of labor will be subject to state and
federal fines and punishments.134
Human Rights
Dartmouth officials understand that human rights, for all, must be taken into
consideration with respect to policies, procedures and operations. Because of this
understanding, Dartmouth is has made no such investment(s) involving agreement(s) or
contract(s) for human rights clause screening.135 During the period in which the 2013
Town of Dartmouth Sustainability Report was written, there have been no incidents
brought forth regarding discrimination.136 The Town of Dartmouth is also not, and has
not been made, aware of any violations regarding the rights of indigenous people(s)
during this period.137
45
Moreover, there have been no operations subject to such reviews or impacts that would
otherwise be classified as detrimental to the rights of Dartmouth’s employees, citizens,
or other stakeholders.138
Health and Safety Indicators
To give Town employees the best circumstances under which to work and perform daily
routines, Dartmouth participates in collective bargaining agreements. In these
negotiations, workers’ unions are met by Management Representatives, the Town
Administrator, Financial Director, and other department heads.139 These agreements
cover approximately 90% of all union employees; however, they do not cover non-union
employees.140 It should also be noted that these agreements may not specifically
contain language covering worker health and safety.141
For the purpose of understanding the dangers of individual job requirements, Dartmouth
relies on the private vendor, Future Comp to track health and safety indicators such as
injury claims. In 2013, there was a total of 80 injury claims, including non-police and
police employees. Of that 80, 48% employees were male and 51% were female. Shown
in the graph below are absolute injury claims for the past 6 years:142
Injury Claims Per Year
Injury Claims:
2008: 38
2009: 61
2010: 57
2011: 86
2012: 55
2013: 80
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Although many occupations and individual job requirements hold some level of risk, the
Town of Dartmouth has defined these workers who are likely, or may have high rates in
incidence of specific diseases and occupational risk as Police Officers and those
working in public safety services, such as salt waste truck drivers. These workers have
been identified through the nature of their job responsibilities.143
46
Training and Assistance
All public employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must undergo training
according to requirements set forth by the State Ethics Commission.144 Newly hired
employees must complete an online ethics training within 30 days of being hired, and all
current employees are required to complete a training every two years thereafter.145 All
municipalities must designate a senior-level employee as a liaison between their
respective municipality and the State Ethics Commission. In accordance with Chapter
268A of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' General Laws, the Town of Dartmouth
mandates that all Town employees complete ethics training online every two years.
State employees are also required to complete mandatory ethics, campaign finance
law, and lobbying training every two years via online delivery through the State Ethics
Commission. Unit managers and employees also undergo ethical practices training
through the Human Resources department. More information on the training and
policies can be found at www.mass.gov/ethics.
Dartmouth encourages and offers employees many other training opportunities through
multiple avenues. Though most employees (town, school, and police force) take
advantage of these training opportunities, statistics are currently only available for the
police force. The Police Department is made up of a 60-member staff, of which 2
members are women. This Police Department’s organizational breakdown is as follows:
1 Chief, 1 Deputy Chief, 2 Lieutenants, 10 Sergeants, 7 Detectives, and 39 Patrolman.
Members of the Town’s Police Department have trained a total of 3,542 hours in 2013;
training hours are shown below by gender and position.146
Female:
Patrols: 2 employees X 52 hours = 104 annual hours
Male:
Patrols: 37 employees X 52 hours = 1,924 annual hours
Lieutenants: 2 employees X 44 hours = 88 annual hours
Sergeants: 10 employees X 60 hours = 600 annual hours
Detectives: 7 employees X 118 hours = 826 annual hours
The Police Department is trained under administration of Massachusetts mandate for
Biased- based profiling, wherein 60 Dartmouth Police officers will be trained 3 hours per
year for three years, totaling 540 hours. Massachusetts also mandates that all new
police officers be administered training on the basis of an 800-hour, 20 week program.
47
Police officers include those hired and working in the municipal force, and
environmental police.
Training is also offered for veterans and reserve officers through highly focused and
specialized training programs.147
Other than employee training, Dartmouth provides tuition assistance and membership in
professional associations to employees that meet specific requirements. School
employees have opportunities to periodically attend training workshops, and the
Dartmouth Police Department implemented training courses dependent on their various
positions. Some examples of these courses are:148
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CPR/ First Responder First Aid
Defensive Tactics
Legal Updates
Advanced Crisis Intervention
ATV Training
Taser
Advanced SWAT
2013 Instructor Firearms
Underwater Investigation
Dive Rescue 1
Identifying Deceptive Behavior
Employee Performance
To provide all stakeholders with the best support to the community, and to the private
and public business sectors, Dartmouth assesses Town Senior Managers using regular
performance and career development reviews. These regular reviews are performed at
various times and in varying intervals according to the employee’s specific
department.149
Gender and Diversity
In its best efforts to fairly and accurately represent the diverse employee categories
(gender, age group, minority group membership, and other indicators of diversity) the
Governance bodies for the Town of Dartmouth are comprised of resident volunteers.
Currently, there are 36 committees in which 206 residents participate; 66 are female
and 140 are male.150 Examples of these bodies include: Board of Health, Agricultural
Commission, School Committee, Finance Committee and Cemetery Committee. A
complete listing can be found at:
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_BComm/index
48
Suppliers
To supply Dartmouth and its stakeholders with the highest level of quality in its services
and operations, new and current suppliers are, after existing contracts expire, looked
over to begin new partnerships for the future.151 While Dartmouth does not require these
businesses to undergo human rights and labor practices training, nor are these
suppliers screened or assessed for impacts on society, due diligence is performed
before contracting any supplier, and hiring is therefore discretionary.152,153,154
Because of this performed due diligence, there have been no incidents of violation(s) of
freedom of association and/or collective bargaining agreement(s).155 In the event that
freedom of association or a collective bargaining agreement were to be violated, by any
business entity, involved parties will refer to, and comply with, Massachusetts General
Laws Chapter 149. Furthermore, in the case that a supplier has been fined or
sanctioned for incorrect business practices regarding human rights issues, the Town of
Dartmouth will assess the situation and decide whether or not to continue that business
relationship accordingly.
Product Responsibility
In accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, Dartmouth’s responsibility to
provide its residents with required services cover three (3) areas: disposal of solid
waste, water, and sewer.156 All three of these services are highly regulated though
applicable, as mentioned above, laws and regulations. There have been no noncompliance issues, sanctions, or fines regarding the above services and the information
provided about their operations.157,158
Another service, not previously mentioned, is that which Dartmouth provides to its
stakeholders through the housing of personal data. These data include information such
as names, addresses, and telephone numbers. During this reporting period, there have
been no complaints regarding customer privacy and lose of data.159
49
CROSS REFERENCE TABLE
Description
Page
Source #
GRI Indicators
1
2
1
G4-31
3
2
G4-1
Key Definitions
Report Highlights
5
6
3-5
6-8
Management Approach
7
9-18
Ethics, Disclosures, and Sustainability Approach
8
Introduction to Dartmouth, MA
8
26-30
11
11
12
12
13
14
14
18
31-36
37-39
40-50
51
52-54
55-56
57-59
60
G4-15, G4-18, G4-19, G4-32
20
20
24
25
26
26
28
61-68
69-72
73-74
75
76-80
81-86
EC-1, EC-3, EC-4
G4-10, EC-8
LA-13, EC-5
EC-6
EC-2, EN-29
EC-7
31
36
37
38
40
42
87-101
102
103-107
108-114
115-120
121
EN-1, EN-3, EN-6
EN-2
EN-7, EN-8, EN-9
EN-11, EN-12, EN-13, EN-14, EN-31
EN-22, EN-23, EN-26
EN-27
44
44
45
46
47
48
48
49
49
122-129
130-134
135-138
139-143
144-148
149
150
151-155
156-159
SO-1, SO-2, SO-5, SO-6, SO-7, SO-8, SO-11
LA-1, LA-2, LA-4, HR-5, HR-6,
HR-1, HR-3, HR-8, HR-9
G4-11, LA-5, LA-7, LA-8
LA-9, LA-10, HR-2, HR-7, SO-4
LA-11
LA-12
LA-14, HR-4, HR-10, SO-9, SO-10
PR-3, PR-4, PR-8, PR-9
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements & Authorship
Messages
Town Administrator addresses Sustainability
Introduction to Sustainability Reporting
19-25
G4-28, G4-29, G4-30, G4-32,G4-41, G4-43, G448, G4-49, G4-50, G4-52
G4-13, G4-15, G4-18, G4-19, G4-22, G4-56,
G4-DMA
G4-3, G3-5, G4-7
Organizational & Report Profile
Material Aspects & Boundaries
Organizational Profile
Demographics
Structure of Population
Town Administration
Stakeholder Engagement
Governance, Structure & Composition
Town Government Organizational Chart
G4-4, G4-5, G4-8
G4-24, G4-25
G4-36, G4-38
G4-34
Economy
Economic Performance
Tax, Revenues and Government Aid
Industry & Employment
Wages
Support for Local Economy
Financial Implications due to Climate Change
Indirect Economic Impacts
Environment
Energy
Materials
Water
Biodiversity
Effluents and Waste
Products and Services
Society
Operations and Business Practices
Labor Practices
Human Rights
Health and Safety Indicators
Training and Assistance
Employee Performance
Gender and Diversity
Suppliers
Product Responsibility
50
SOURCES
This source list is made to clarify which GRI Indicators are being reported, and if those specific
indicators have an associated source.
NOTE: Some indicators do not necessarily need a source, for example, if language explaining an
indicator states the source, or if the indicator is language stated by an individual.
Source #
GRI Indicator
1
G4-31
2
G4-1
Source
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
3
http://www.un.org/en/sustainability/
4
http://www.globalreporting.org
5
http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/65/issues/sustdev.shtml
6
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/companies/borrego-solar-systems-inc1818/blog
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/05/01/dartmouth-lets-sunpower/RP53Poo7gueeZjxRz7FuON/story.html
David Hickox, Director, DPW
7
8
9
G4-28
10
G4-30
11
G4-29
12
G4-32
13
G4-41
14
G4-43
15
G4-48
16
G4-49
17
G4-50
18
G4-52
19
G4-56
20
G4-DMA
21
G4-15
22
G4-18
23
G4-19
24
G4-13
25
G4-22
26
G4-3
27
G4-7
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_Admin/DartmouthGRI.pdf
SEE DARTMOUTH TOWN GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART, PG. 18
http://town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_Webdocs/darthistory
51
28
G4-5
29
http://town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_Webdocs/about
30
Town of Dartmouth, MA Economic Assessment
31
G4-18
32
G4-19
33
G4-15
34
G4-32
35
http://www.mass.gov/portal/
36
http://www.usa.gov/
37
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=41.61666&lon=-70.98333
38
http://town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_Webdocs/about
39
41
http://www.srpedd.org/manager/external/ckfinder/userfiles/resources/CityTown%20Census/DARTMOUTH_UPDATE_2007-11.pdf
http://www.srpedd.org/manager/external/ckfinder/userfiles/resources/CityTown%20Census/DARTMOUTH_UPDATE_2007-11.pdf
http://lmi2.detma.org/lmi/lmi_town.asp
42
http://lmi2.detma.org/lmi/lmi_town.asp
43
http://www.clrsearch.com/Dartmouth-Demographics/MA/
44
http://www.clrsearch.com/Dartmouth-Demographics/MA/
45
46
http://www.srpedd.org/manager/external/ckfinder/userfiles/resources/CityTown%20Census/DARTMOUTH_UPDATE_2007-11.pdf
http://www.clrsearch.com/Dartmouth-Demographics/MA/
47
http://www.clrsearch.com/Dartmouth-Demographics/MA/
48
http://www.srpedd.org/manager/external/ckfinder/userfiles/resources/CityTown%20Census/DARTMOUTH_UPDATE_2007-11.pdf
http://www.srpedd.org/manager/external/ckfinder/userfiles/resources/CityTown%20Census/DARTMOUTH_UPDATE_2007-11.pdf
http://www.srpedd.org/manager/external/ckfinder/userfiles/resources/CityTown%20Census/DARTMOUTH_UPDATE_2007-11.pdf
http://www.clrsearch.com/Dartmouth-Demographics/MA/
40
49
50
51
52
G4-5
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/pages/index
53
G4-4
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_WebDocs/departments
54
G4-8
55
G4-25
56
G4-24
57
G4-36
58
G4-38
59
60
http://town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_BComm/index
G4-34
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
52
61
EC-1
62
63
64
EC-3
65
66
67
68
EC-4
69
70
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/pages/DartmouthMA_Finance/FY14PropOperB
udSchedA.pdf
https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/DLSReports/DLSReportViewer.aspx?ReportN
ame=At_A_Glance&ReportTitle=At+A+Glance
https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/DLSReports/DLSReportViewer.aspx?ReportN
ame=At_A_Glance&ReportTitle=At+A+Glance
Dartmouth, MA Prospectus
https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/DLSReports/DLSReportViewer.aspx?ReportN
ame=At_A_Glance&ReportTitle=At+A+Glance
https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/DLSReports/DLSReportViewer.aspx?ReportN
ame=At_A_Glance&ReportTitle=At+A+Glance
https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/DLSReports/DLSReportViewer.aspx?ReportN
ame=At_A_Glance&ReportTitle=At+A+Glance
http://www.mass.gov/dor/local-officials/municipal-data-and-financialmanagement/cherry-sheets/
Dartmouth, MA Economic Assessment
EC-8
72
G4-10
73
LA-13
74
EC-5
http://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/2013-state-unemploymentrates.aspx
http://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/2013-state-unemploymentrates.aspx
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/pages/DartmouthMA_Finance/FY14PropOperB
udSchedA.pdf
Evan Mellilo, Administrative Analyst
75
EC-6
Melissa Medeiros, Personnel Administrator
76
EC-2
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/05/01/dartmouth-lets-sunpower/RP53Poo7gueeZjxRz7FuON/story.html
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/05/01/dartmouth-lets-sunpower/RP53Poo7gueeZjxRz7FuON/story.html
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130710/NEWS/307
100331
Jennifer Frates, DPW Administrative Assistant
EN-29
David Hickox, Director, DPW
71
77
78
79
80
81
82
David Hickox, Director, DPW
EC-7
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
83
David G. Cressman, Town of Dartmouth, MA 2012 Sustainability Report
84
http://dnrt.org/land-conservation/
85
David G. Cressman, Town of Dartmouth, MA 2012 Sustainability Report
86
David G. Cressman, Town of Dartmouth, MA 2012 Sustainability Report
87
http://borregosolar.com/solar-projects/landfills-and-brownfields/dartmouth-landfill/
88
http://borregosolar.com/solar-projects/corporate/high-hill-road-purchase-streetbraley-road
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111019/PUB02/11
0190434/-1/rss32
http://www.coneddev.com/resources/dartmouth.pdf
89
90
53
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120425/PUB02/20
4250384/1041
http://www.umassd.edu/admin_finance/windturbineproject/
91
92
96
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111019/PUB02/11
0190434/-1/rss32
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120328/NEWS/203
280326
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/05/01/dartmouth-lets-sunpower/RP53Poo7gueeZjxRz7FuON/story.html
Evan Mellilo, Administrative Analyst
97
Evan Mellilo, Administrative Analyst
93
94
95
98
99
EN-6
100
EN-1
Dartmouth Annual Gas Usages & Expenditures, NSTAR
101
EN-3
Dartmouth Annual Electricity Usages & Expenditures, NSTAR
102
EN-2
103
EN-7
David Hickox, Director of Public Works, Snow/Ice Removal Annual Budget Report
2011
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth town Administrator
104
EN-8
Steve Sullivan, Supervisor, Water Department
105
EN-9
Steve Sullivan, Supervisor, Water Department
106
Steve Sullivan, Supervisor, Water Department
107
Steve Sullivan, Supervisor, Water Department
108
EN-11
109
EN-31
1. www.umassd.edu/sustainability/
2. www.umassd.edu/smast/
Mike O’Reilly, Coordinator, Environmental Affairs
110
EN-12
Mike O’Reilly, Coordinator, Environmental Affairs
111
EN-13
http://dnrt.org/
112
113
http://dnrt.org/
EN-14
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/species-informationand-conservation/town-species-viewer.html
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_BComm/Pathways/index
EN-22
Carlos Cardoso, Supervisor, Waste Water Treatment Plant
114
115
116
Carlos Cardoso, Supervisor, Waste Water Treatment Plant
117
David Hickox, Director, DPW
118
EN-23
119
Carlos Cardoso, Supervisor, Waste Water Treatment Plant
Carlos Cardoso, Supervisor, Waste Water Treatment Plant
120
EN-26
PLEASE REFER TO PG. 38
121
EN-27
http://town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_DPW/sol
122
SO-1
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
123
http://www.ledbulbsandlights.com/
54
1. David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
2. Evan Mellilo, Administrative Analyst
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
124
SO-2
125
SO-5
126
SO-6
127
SO-7
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
128
SO-8
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
129
SO-11
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
130
LA-1
Melissa Medeiros, Personnel Administrator
131
LA-2
Melissa Medeiros, Personnel Administrator
132
LA-4
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
133
HR-5
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
134
HR-6
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
135
HR-1
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
136
HR-3
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
137
HR-8
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
138
HR-9
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
139
LA-5
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
140
G4-11
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
141
LA-8
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
142
Stephanie Santiago, Confidentiality Clerk
143
LA-7
Stephanie Santiago, Confidentiality Clerk
144
SO-4
145
HR-7
www.mass.gov/ethics
146
LA-9
2013 Dartmouth Police Report
147
HR-2
2013 Dartmouth Police Report
148
LA-10
2013 Dartmouth Police Report
149
LA-11
David Hickox, Director, DPW
150
LA-12
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_BComm/index
151
LA-14
152
SO-9
1. www.umassd.edu/media/umassdartmouth/eeo/pdfs/executivesummary.pdf
2. www.umassd.edu/media/umassdartmouth/administrativeservices/pdfs/purc
hasingmanual.pdf
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
153
SO-10
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
154
HR-10
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
155
HR-4
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
156
PR-3
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
157
PR-4
David Hickox, Director, DPW
55
158
PR-9
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
159
PR-8
David Cressman, Town of Dartmouth Town Administrator
56